A general chronological history of France beginning before the reign of King Pharamond, and ending with the reign of King Henry the Fourth, containing both the civil and the ecclesiastical transactions of that kingdom / by the sieur De Mezeray ... ; translated by John Bulteel ...

A Chronological Abridgment, OR EXTRACT OF THE HISTORY OF FRANCE By the Sieur de Mezeray.

TOME II.

Beginning at King PHILIP de VALOIS, and Ending with the Reign of HENRY II.

Translated by John Bulteel Gent.

LONDON, Printed for Thomas Basset, Samuel Lowndes, Christopher Wil∣kinson, William Cademan, and Jacob Tonson.

Philip VI. King XLIX.

The Second Part of the Third Race.

The first Collateral Branch.

POPES,

• JOHN XXII. Near Seven years under this Reign.
• BENEDICT XII. Son of a Miller of Saverdun in the Country of Foix, Elected the 20th of De∣cember 1334. S. Seven years four Months.
• CLEMENT VI. Elected the 14th of May 1342. S. Ten years seven Months, whereof Eight years and three Months during this Reign.

PHILIP VI. De Valois, Surnamed the Fortunate, King XLIX. Aged Thirty six years.

[Year of our Lord 1328] ALthough Edward King of England had been excluded from the Regency during the Queens being with Child; he did not hold himself excluded from the Kingdom when that Princess had brought forth only a Girle. He agreed most readily that the Daughters could not attain to the Crown of France, because of the imbecillity of their Sex, neither did he claim it for his Mother: but he maintained that the Sons of the Daughters having not that defect, were not incapable, and that on this score they ought to prefer him, being a Male and Grandson to Philip the Fair, before Philip de Valois, who was but his Nephew.

[Year of our Lord 1328] The Pairs and high Barons were called together at Paris immediately after the death of Charles, upon this great Question: Both Parties made their private and underhand Interests with all the pains and craft imaginable: Robert d'Artois Earl of Beaumont, whose Quality, Eloquence, and Reputation could do a great deal in that Assembly, employ'd himself with all his might for Philip, as thinking the advantage that Prince would receive by his Interest, might be of service to himself in his Cause against Mahaud. In fine, his vehement Persuasions, the force of the Salique Custom, very conformable to the Law of Nature, and that aversion the French had for the Government of a Stranger, obliged the Assembly to preserve the right of the Males, and to declare that the Crown belonged to Philip. Edward acquiesc'd in the Sen∣tence, and confirmed it by several Acts during some years.

[Year of our Lord 1328] Philip was Crowned at Reims with the Queen his Wife the Eight and twentieth of May upon Trinity-Sunday. He was surnamed the Fortunate, because Death had taken his three Cousins out of the World to set the Crown upon his Head.

The Estates of Navarre having sent to intreat he would send them back their Law∣ful Queen and the King her Husband, he granted their just Request, having taken the Advice of his Lords, whom he called together in Council upon a business of that weight. However he still detained Brie and Champagne, giving to the Queen of Na∣varre and her Husband several Lands in exchange, which all together were to yield the same Revenue as those two large Counties. They were not Crowned at Pam∣pelonna till the Fifth of March in the following year.

[Year of our Lord 1328] Since the time of Hugh Capet, there was no Reign so much stained with the Blood of War as this same. The beginnings were signalized by the gaining of the famous Battle of Mont-Cassel. The great Cities of Flanders had mutinied against their Earl Lewis, and misused him so strangely, that he durst not go into any of them but Ghent. The King as his Lord and of near Parentage, took his part, and entred Flanders with an Army of Twenty five thousand Men. The Flemmings had posted Sixteen thou∣sand upon a Hill near Cassel to guard their Frontier. He coming to encamp in a Valley beneath them, they had the confidence to go and attaque him, and appointed three Bodies at the same instant to make their way to his Tent, to the King of Bo∣hemia's, and to that of the Earl of Hainault; thinking to surprize them all three unawares. His Person was in great danger, but whilst the bravest of his Men stood as a Rampart and put a stop to the Enemy, the rest Armed themselves and charged the Flemmings so stoutly, that the three Princes defeated those three Parties, not one Man of them escaping.

All Flanders quell'd by this great shock, submitted to his Mercy. He caused seve∣ral hundreds to be Hanged, Banished, and Confiscated, and the year after dismantled five or six of their Towns; which allay'd their heat for some time, but did not ex∣tinguish it.

[ ✚.] The severest punishment for those that are corrupt Officers of the Treasury, and indeed the most beneficial to the Publick, is not the hanging of them, but to pare their Rapacious Talons so close, that they may not be in a capacity to deserve it. Peter Remy Sieur de Montigny, had succeeded to Marigny and la Guette in the manage∣ment of the Treasury: their sad example had not so great influence upon him, as the passion to enrich himself as they had done. So that by Sentence of Parliament; where there were Eighteen Knights, Five and twenty Lords and Princes, and the King himself present, he was Condemned to be Drawn and Hanged as a Traytor, at the Gal∣lows of Montfaucon, which he had caused to be rebuilt. His Confiscation amounted to Twelve hundred thousand Livers * 1.1, a prodigious Sum for those times.

Of the Six great* 1.2 Pairries of the Laity, the Kings had appropriated four to themselves, to substitute others in their place, and erected many new; to wit, Beaumont le Roger in Anno 1328. for Robert d'Artois, and Anno 1329. the Barony of Bourbon, this with the Title of Dutchy, that with the Title of Earldom; Then afterwards in several years Alenson, Evreux, Clermont in Beauvoisis; all for Princes of his Blood, and upon Lands, truly of much lower Dignity and Consideration then those of the former six Pairries, but as much above those of this Age, as the Princes of the Blood are above Private Gentlemen.

Edward Earl of Savoy, was come into France to demand assistance of the* 1.3 King, against the Dauphin de Viennois and the Earl of Geneva, his perpetual Enemies. [Year of our Lord 1329] Dying at Paris, and leaving only a Daughter, John III. Duke of Bretagne, Hus∣band to this Princess, made earnest sute to have the Succession: but the Estates of Savoy, wherein presided Bertrand Archbishop of Tarentaise, declared, That the Salique Law took place there, and called Aymon Brother of the deceased, to that Crown.

[Year of our Lord 1329] Upon the first Summons they sent to Edward by two Lords who had express Com∣mission, according to the custom of Fiefs, he promised to come and do Homage to the King of France. The seizure of his Fiefs of Guyenne and Ponthieu was therefore deferr'd, and he came to Amiens in great Equipage. After he had there in vain de∣manded the restoring of what had been taken in Guyenne from his Father, he did Ho∣mage. But it was with his Tongue, and in general words only, intending to Advise first with his Barons what was to be done. When he was returned into England, he sent Letters to King Philip under his great Seal, in which he declared, That that Homage was Liege, and that he owed it for the Dutchy of Guyenne, and the Earl∣doms of Ponthieu and Monstereuil.

[Year of our Lord 1328]

The Troubles that hapned in England, had hindred him from performing that Devoir sooner. His Mother with her Mortimer had made him believe, that his Uncle Edmund, Earl of Kent, had plotted to take away his Life: Indeed tha•• Earl endeavour'd to get King Edward II. out of prison, who was his Brother, and as he thought yet living. Upon this Information young Edward causes him to be seized and condemned to death somewhat too lightly: but afterwards Mortimer and the Queen his Mistress were Treated in the same manner. For the young King weary of their scandalous deportment, caused the Gallant to be hanged* 1.4 upon pretence of several Crimes, and his Mother to be shut up in a Castle, where they hastned her end: a very just act, had it been done by any other hand but that of a Son.

The discord between Pope John XXII. and the Emperour Lewis of Bavaria, grew to that extremity, that Lewis being in Italy, after the example of the Emperour Otho, degraded John of the Papal Dignity, and in his place substituted Michael de Corbiere a Frier Minor, under the name of Nicholas V. Michael de Cesenna, Ge∣neral of that Order, and divers of his Monks, supported him mightily by their Preachings and Writings.

These Monks, and others of the Imperial party, having spread many reproachful and bloody Invectives thorough all Christendom against Pope John XXII. an As∣sembly of the Clergy was held at Paris, where the Bishop in his Pontifical Habit, attended by many other Prelats and Clergy-men, declared to the People in the Church-Porch of Nostre-Dame, the Attempts and Mistakes of Corbiere, and pro∣nounced Excommunicate both the said Corbiere, the Emperour Lewis, and Michael de Cesenna with their Adherents.

Two things ruined this Party, the Emperours ill Conduct, which forced him to go out of Italy, and the disagreement between the Friers Minors, many of whom having forsaken their General, it weakned his Interest so much, that in the end he was disowned by all of that Order. So that Corbiere after many Adventures, being caught and brought to Avignon in the year 1330. begged pardon of John XXII. with a Rope about his Neck: but he could not get off so; they put him in prison, where he died some Months afterwards.

[Year of our Lord 1329] We must not confound this Assembly above-mentioned with another which was held in the same City, and the same year 1329. upon complaint the Kings Judges made by the Mouth of Peter Cugnieres, Kt. Counsellor and Advocate-General of the Parliament, touching the Usurpations and Attempts of the Clergy upon the Se∣cular Jurisdiction.

The business was discussed in a Council held at Vincennes, then again in the As∣sembly of Parliament. Cugnieres spake earnestly, and to the good liking of all the Nobility who applauded him. Peter Roger elected Archbishop of Sens, afterwards made Pope, and Bertrand Bishop of Autun, who was a Cardinal, having underta∣ken the defence of their Body, replied very eloquently. The Clergy was in great dan∣ger, not only of being lopt off in part, but quite rooted out of their Jurisdiction. The King at last by a Decree of the Twenty eighth of December maintained them in their possession, protesting it was his hearty desire to augment the Rights and Priviledges of the Church, rather then any way dimish or infringe them: for which reason they gave him the Surname of the Good Catholick. Notwithstanding after this shock, the Authority of that Body hath been so much weakned, especially by Appeals in all Cases, that now they really believe they have more just cause of Complaints against the Secular Judges, then the Seculars had in those times against them.

[Year of our Lord 1330] France being in Peace, King Philip, following the foot-steps of his Predecessors, had conceived a desire of undertaking an Expedition into the Holy-Land. To this purpose, upon his return from a Pilgrimage he made to Marseilles with a very small Attendance, in performance of a Vow he had made to St. Lewis Bishop of Toulouze, he visited the Pope in Avignon, and discoursed in particular with him about his design.

Towards the end of the year he summon'd the Estates of his Kingdom, and laid before them the passion he had for the Holy War. By their advice, he sent to de∣mand permission of the Pope to levy the Tenths of all the Clergy in Christendom, and many other things, but so extraordinary that he could obtain no favourable Answer.

[Year of our Lord 1331] The English could not well digest that Edward had so easily renounced to the Crown of France; They ceased not from spurring him on, opportunity seeming to present it

self favourably, because Scotland, which France was wont to make a counterpoise to England, was extreamly embroil'd. For Edward the Son of John Baliol * 1.5, who for a long time led a private Life at his House in Normandy, with a small Force had re∣cover'd that Crown, and driven out King David who was retired to the Court of France together with his Wife and Children.

After the death of Mahaut, the Earldom of Artois sell Jane of Burgundy, Wife of Philip the Long, and according to the Articles of Marriage, was given to Blancb her Daughter, the Wife of Eudes Duke of Burgundy. Robert d'Artois who could not yet forbear his pretentions to that Earldom, renewed the Process, and produced certain Grants under the great Seal, which he said he had found by Miracle. He be∣lieved the King, being his Brother-in-Law, and owing him so great obligation, would not search too deep after the truth of it. But the King, because it concerned the interest of his Daughter, who was much nearer to him then his Sister, caused these Letters Patents to be examin'd so exactly, that they were found to be false; and a Gentlewoman of Artois that had counterfeited them, was burnt alive for it, they having accused her as being a Sorceress.

Robert enraged for the loss of his Process and of his Honour, slew to reproaches against the King, so much the more injurious as they were true, and so exasperated his anger, that he was pushed on to the utmost extremity against him. They seized upon his Confessor, whom they obliged by force or promises, to bear Witness against him: his Wi••e was laid hold on, though she were the Kings own Sister; and after some delay, for want of appearing, he was Banished by sound of Trumpet and Pro∣clamation through all the Suburbs of Paris, and his Estate was declared to be Con∣fiscate.

He then knew there was no more quarter for him, and would have taken Sanctuary at the Earl of Hainaults: but the Kings wrath did not suffer him to be so near, he excited the Duke of Brabant to make War upon the Hanuyer. Robert not to be a Cause of the ruine of his Friend, went out of those Countries, and resolved to all the extremities whereunto dispair does usually hurry Men of courage; he goes to the King of England, and by force of blowing the Coals, kindled the Flame that set all France on Fire.

[Year of our Lord 1332] In the mean time the King of England strenghned himself with Alliances, Moneys, and all sorts of Ammunitions for some great Enterprize. He had in his Party the Earl of Haynault, the Emperor Lewis his Brother-in-Law, several German Princes, with the Cities of Flanders; and to have the greater power in the Low-Countries and over the Princes along the Rhine, he purchased at a dear rate the Quality of Vicar of the Empire. The King was secure of the Earl of Flanders, the Duke of Lorrain, the Earl of Bar, the Kings of Castille, of Scotland, and of Bohemia: but* 1.6 especially of this last, whom he had made fast by many several ties. For besides that he had Married a Sister of his, and his Son Charles born of that Wedlock had been bred in the Court of France, he also Married his Daughter Bonne to John Duke of Normandy. The Nuptials were compleated at Melun.

The Designs of the English being not yet formed, gave Philip no apprehension; so [Year of our Lord 1332] that he was taking up the Cross for the Holy Land, and with him three other Kings, Charles of Bohemia, Philip of Navarre, and Peter of Arragon, with a great number of Dukes, Earls, and Knights. The Clergy took but small joy in it, so mightily were they oppressed with extraordinary Exactions, as if they had a design to ruine the Churches of France to go and restore those in Palestine.

[Year of our Lord 1333] Upon the design of this War, Philip endeavour'd to make Peace between all his Neighbour Princes, he brought the Duke of Brabant to an agreement with the Earl of Flanders, and the Earl of Savoy with the Dauphin de Viennois. The difference be∣twixt the first was for the City of Malines. It belonged to the Bishop of Liege and to the Earl of Guelders: the Bishop had sold his part to the Earl of Flanders, the Duke of Brabant claimed it, saying, he was the Lord of the Fief. It was concluded it should remain to the Flemming, unless the Duke would rather chuse to reimburse him 85000 Crowns. With that was agreed the Marriage of three Daughters of the Brabanders, with Lewis eldest Son of the Flemming, William Earl of Holland, and Renauld Earl of Guelders.

[Year of our Lord 1333] Pope John XXII. had publickly preached at Avignon;* 1.7 That the Vision, or Joyes of the Blessed Souls, and the Pains or Torments of the Damned were imper∣fect till the final day of Judgment, and endeavour'd to make this opinion pass cur∣rent for the Doctrine of the Church. The Faculty of Theology of Paris courage∣ously opposed it; He tried to get them to own it by two Nuncios whom he sent to

them; the one was the General of the Cordeliers, the other a famous Jacobin Doctor. The most Christian King did not judge the Pope to be infallible, but or∣der'd the question to be discuss'd by Thirty Doctors or the Faculty of Theology, who confounded the Cordelier Nuncio; whereupon a Decree was made, and Seal∣ed with their Thirty Seals, which he sent to the Holy Father, exhorting him to believe those who understood Divinity better, then did the Canonists of the Court of Rome. So that the Pope perceiving his Opinion was not well received and entertained, said he had propos'd it only by way of Disputation, or Argument.

[Year of our Lord 1334]

He died the year following, leaving an immense Treasure, scraped together by his exactions made upon the Clergy of France. Peter Fournier Cardinal, of very mean and low birth, but greatly eminent for his Moderation and Frugality, suc∣ceeded him in the Holy See, and took the name of Benedict, or Benet XII.

[Year of our Lord 1335. and the following.] Arthur. II. Duke of Bretagne had married two Wives; the First was Mary, Daugh∣ter and Heiress of Guy, Vicount Limoges. The Second, Yoland Daughter of Robert IV. Earl of Dreux, and one Beatrix, Daughter and Heiress of Amaury V. Earl of Mont∣fort; by Mary came three Sons, John II. who was Duke after his Father; Guy, who had for his part the Earldom of Pontieure (and from whom came a Daughter na∣med Jane;) and Peter, who died without Children. Of Yoland; came a Son named John, who had the Earldom of Montfort, as his Great Grandfather by the Mother had.

Duke John II. having no Children, and his Brother Guy being dead in the year 1330. leaving only a Daughter, which was Jane; it was easie to foresee, that great troubles would arise for the succession of the Dutchy, between this Daughter, and John de Montfort; for this last pretended, that he was one degree nearer then she was; and besides, being a Male he ought to exclude her. Now as Duke John had a particular affection for the House of France▪ from which he was descended by the Male line, he had it in his thoughts, to avoid the destruction of Bretagne, for to exchange this Dutchy with the King, for that of Orleance, or to leave it in Sequestration in his hands to restore it to which of the pretenders he pleased. The Lords of the Coun∣trey not able to endure either of these two methods, he bethought him of Marry∣ing his Niece to Charles de Chastillon, Brother of Lewis Earl of Blois, and Nephew by his Mother to King Philip de Valois, upon condition he should take the Name, the Motto, and the Coat of Arms of Bretagne. The Marriage was consummate in Anno 1339. The Duke kept him with him, and Treated him as his presumptive Successor; John de Montfort dissembling those pretences he had to the contrary.

[Year of our Lord 1336] Edward having attained to full majority, prompted by his own great courage, and the Favours Fortune had newly bestowed in a Victory over the Scots, was easily led by the continual instigations of Robert d'Artois, animating him to recover the King∣dom of France by the Sword. He thought it convenient to begin with complaints, and accused Philip before the Pope, for having ravished that Crown from him, du∣ring his Minority.

The Pope having given him no other Answer, but an exhortation not to disturb a Prince, who had taken on him the Cross for an expedition to the Holy Land, the young King impatient of such long delay, sent to defie King Philip. All his Al∣lies, every one in particular, except only the Duke of Brabant, accompanied his [Year of our Lord 1336] Cartel with their own; and the Bishop of Limoges was the bearer.

Some time before, the King having intelligence that they were preparing to make the Rupture, went to Avignon with John Duke of Normandy his eldest Son, to vi∣sit the Holy Father Benedict XII. as well to justifie himself of the accusations of the King of England, as to cut out work for the Emperour Lewis of Bavaria, by rendring his agreement with the Pope more difficult.

[Year of our Lord 1336] The defiance being signified, Gautier de Mauny began first by opening the War on the Flanders-side, surprizing the City of Mortagne, not the Castle, then that of Thin l'Evesque; which he kept to bridle Cambray, that shew'd it self for the French. The King of England's Lieutenants likewise began the War in Saintonge, by the ta∣king of the Castle of Palencour; the Governour whereof, for having but poorly defended himself, lost his Head at Paris.

Thus the expedition to the Holy Land was broken off, the King called back the Forces he had at Marseilles, and kept the Genoese in his pay, the best Men for Sea∣service in those days, with theirs, and the assistance of the Castilians, he sent a Na∣val force to the coasts of England, where they did a great deal of mischief, there being no less then Sixty thousand of them under pay.

[Year of our Lord 1336. and 37.] At the same time his Land-Army, commanded by Rodolph Earl of Eu, and Guisnes his Constable, entred Guyenne, and gained the Lands of the Vicount de Tartas. The Earl de Foix who succeeded him in that employ, did likewise conquer many other petty places.

[Year of our Lord 1337] The Cities of Flanders, whereof Ghent is as it were the Head, hesitated some time between the fear of the power of the French, and the distress and indigence the English drove them into, expresly having prohibited the carrying to them any Wools out of England into their Countrey; but when an English Army had deseated one of theirs in the Island of Cadsant, James d'Artevelle, whom Edward had gained by the power of Money and Presents, mtroduced his Ambassadors into Ghent, and Treated his Alliance with that City.

This Artevelle was a private Brewer and Beer-Merchant, but crafty, undertaking and politique, who had acquired almost the absolute Government in Flanders, and maintained Agents in all the Cities. So that the Earl could not possibly stop the tor∣rent, and was constrained to quit the Countrey.

[Year of our Lord 1338] During all this, Edward, who after the Declaration of War, had returned to his own Island, came and landed at Scluse, with an Army and Fleet of Four hundred Sail, went by Land to Colen to confer with the Emperour, who confirmed the Title of Vicar of the Empire to him, and promis'd to attaque France with the Forces of Germany, provided he might have such great sums of Money as he demanded.

[Year of our Lord 1338] At his return from Colen he encamped some days before Cambray an Imperial Ci∣ty, but wherein the Bishop had suffer'd Prince John, the Son of King Philip to enter. Finding he could do little there, he passed the Scheld to give the King battle. The two Armies were nigh each other about the Village of Viron-fosse in Cambresis. The King much the stronger in appearance, forbore to give battle, because Robert King of Naples, a great Astrologer, had sent him word, that in what place soever he should venture to fight the English he should lose the day, and run his Kingdom into an ex∣tream danger. The remainder of the year was spent in picquering, and sending forth small parties to make inroads upon one another.

[Year of our Lord 1339] For the Flemmings, as the three Cities of L'sle, Douay, and Orchies, stuck much in their Stomachs, they proffer'd their Service to the King, in case he would surren∣der them; which being denied, they acknowledged Edward to be King of France, and gave him their Oaths of Fidelity: then did he begin to take that Title upon him in all publick Acts, and to put the Flowers-de-Lys in his Coat of Arms, and in his Seals. However I find, that the year before, he had by a Declaration forbid any to call Phi∣lip, by the name of King of France, but only Earl of Valois.

[Year of our Lord 1339] Having shortly after passed over into England to recruit himself with Money, there was nothing done in all this year but sacking or plundering, and some skir∣mishes that were not decisive. In the mean time the King by his Craft and Money together, had found means to take the Emperour off from the English Interest; Insomuch as he repeated his Title of Vicar of the Empire, which he had sold at so dear a rate to him.

[Year of our Lord 1340] But whatever skill they did make trial of in tampering with the Flemmings, they could not be brought over again; and their Earl not daring to return into that Coun∣trey, nor put any trust in Artevelle, kept himself within l'Isle. The Pope upon the Kings request had put their Countrey under Interdict, and all their Priests obey'd very exactly, which did at first cause a great consternation; but the King of Eng∣land sent some that were less scrupulous amongst them, who opened the Churches, and officiated boldly.

[Year of our Lord 1340] The Duke of Normandy (this was John the eldest Son of Philip) after he had made strange havock in Hainault, laid Siege to the Castle of Thin-l'Evesque on the Sambre, because it did much incommode the City of Cambray. The French and Flem∣mish Armies were there once more near each other, but the Flemmish now withdrew themselves without blows; the besieged observing their retreat, set fire to the place, and made their escape.

As soon as the King of England had recruited himself with Money and Men, he came and landed a Second time at Scluse, and overthrew the French Fleet that lay [Year of our Lord 1340] upon that coast in wait, thinking to hinder his attempt. The discord between their Admirals (there were two of them) was the main cause of their defeat.

[Year of our Lord 1340] This advantage having abated the edge of their courage, King Philip retired, and distributed his Army in the several Garrisons. The King of England sent to defie him in single combat, one to one, or else a hundred on either side, or both Ar∣mies in a pitch'd battle. He was answer'd, That a Lord accepts of no challenge from his Vassal.

Some days after he besieges Tournay, which was reduc'd to great distress; but the long and vigorous defence of the besieged, saved the place by the Truce that was then made.

[Year of our Lord 1340] Mean time the Flemmings were cut in pieces before St. Omers; Robert d'Artois who Commanded them, was not only in danger of losing his Life there, but after∣wards being pursued by the Populace, who cry'd out he had betray'd them, was forced, much wounded as he was, to make his escape to the King of England.

[Year of our Lord 1340] The French Garrisons were drawn together in a Body to relieve Tournay. Philip had made divers attempts for that purpose, had lost all hopes of succeeding in it; when on the suddain Edward condescends to a Truce, whether by the mediation of the Widdow Jane, Countess of Hainault, who was his Sister, and Mother of the Queen of England, at that time retired to the Convent of Fontenelles, or as Villain tells it, because of the desertion of the Duke of Brabant, whom the King had gained by his Money and besides, being unwilling that City should fall into the English hands, went away from them with all his Forces. It was to last from the Twentieth of September, to the Five and twentieth of June following; and was again prolonged at an Assembly, which shortly after was held at Arras, upon the earnest desires of the Popes Legats.

[Year of our Lord 1341] John II. Duke of Bretagne dying this year 1341. upon his return from Flanders: whither he had attended the King,* 1.8 that War which he so much apprehended, broke out in his Countrey, and kept it in a flame for two and twenty years space. For John Earl of Montfort being very liberal of those Treasures he had in Limoges, secur'd himself of the best Soldiers, and of the Cities of Brest, Nantes, Rennes, Hen∣nebond, and Avray. Then foreseeing his Antagonist would have recourse to the King of France his Uncle, he goes over into England, where he contracted a secret Alli∣ance with Edward, and also did homage to him.

[Year of our Lord 1341] During this progress, Charles de Blois comes unto the King, as to his Sovereign Lord. The Dutchy was a Fief of the Crown of France, ever since the Dukes Peter* 1.9 de Mauclere, and John le Roux his Son, had acknowledged it to be held of the Crown, and moreover, it was a Pairrie; Philip the Fair having grac'd it with that Title in Anno 1277. in recompence for that John II. had brought him Ten thousand Men to the Siege of Cour••ray. Besides, both of the contenders had presented their Peti∣tions to the King, to be admitted to do homage, which no doubt but either of them would have performed in any manner required: and for this reason the King [Year of our Lord 1341] referr'd it to the judgment of the Pairs, who caused both parties to be summon'd to make out their Right and Titles.

The Duke of Bretagne appeared; but finding by the very first words the King spake to him, that not only his Cause, but likewise his Person was in danger, he makes his escape one fair night into Bretagne, with three more, himself disguised like a Merchant, ••aving left all his Officers at Paris, who put a good face upon it, as if their Master were not sled, but kept his Bed for some indisposition.

The better to cover his evasion, he left a procuration with one of his people, to act and carry on this Cause before the King and Pairs, and produce what Deeds and Papers were necessary to maintain his Right. His adversary had done the same; but either of them notwithstanding without power of concluding on any thing, but only for debating, and putting their Arguments and Titles into a method to instruct the Judges.

[Year of our Lord 1341] Upon these imperfect proceedings, the Pairs received Charles de Blois to homage, and threw out Montfords Petition. Immediately Charles and his friends were putting themselves into a posture to execute the Decree; the Duke of Normandy entred in∣to Bretagne with an Army, and having forced Chantoceaux, besieged Nantes, where Montford had shut up himself. The Nantois terrified at the misfortune of Two hun∣dred of their Burghers taken in a Salley, obliged Montford to surrender himself to the Duke, who sent him to Paris, where he was confined to the great Tower of the Lovre.

Thus one would have guessed the business had been at an end; but his Wife Mar∣garet, Daughter of Robert Earl of Flanders, a wise and couragious Princess, who made good use of her Head in Council, and of her Sword upon occasion, as well as the deepest Politician, or the bravest Soldier of her time could have done, upheld that ruined party, and not only so, but even raised it again by her heroick Vir∣tue: She retired to Brest, fortify'd her places, put her Son, who was but four years old, in a place of safety, having sent him into England, and pressed King Edward so earnestly for the assistance he had promised to her Husband, that he sends it by Sea to her.

It came inde ed somewhat too late to preserve Rennes, but early enough to save Hennebond, whit her he was retired. It was however too weak to maintain the cause the Enemies were Masters of the Field, and took the Towns: but Charles de Blois, I cannot tell by what motive, gave her some respite by a years Truce, during which, this Princess goes over into England to represent the state of her Affairs there.

[Year of our Lord 1342]

In the Month of April of this year 1342. hapned the death of Benedict XII. This good Pope moreconcerned and affectionate for the exaltation of the Holy See, then of his own Family, left a vast Treasure to the Church, and nothing at all to his kindred, but good instructions for the saving of their Souls. Peter Roger, Native of the Village de Rose, in Limosin, and Arch-Bishop of Rouen, succeeded him, by the name of Clement VI. This Man behaved himself quite contrary, he scrupled not at all to make use of his Wealth to enrich his Relations, and restored the* 1.10 Nipotisine very prejudicial to to the Church.

[Year of our Lord 1342] The Countess Margaret acted so successfully at the Court of England, that she brought back a powerful supply, commanded by Robert d'Artois. The Naval Forces of the Genoese and Spaniards, which were under the Command of Lewis of Spain, Brother of Alphonso, who was Constable, set upon them smartly, and might well have hindred their Landing, if a sierce Wind had not obliged him at night to put out to Sea, fearing his great Vessels should run aground; their Ships being smaller, got to Port near Vannes. Robert d'Artois being landed, besieged that City, and car∣ried it by Assault, which he made upon them in the night, presently after another very hot one, which he had given them in the day time.

But after that the Captains of the contrary party knowing he had sent the great∣est part of his Army to besiege Rennes, and that himself staid in Vannes, they came and besieged him, and press'd so hard upon him by repeated Assaults, that they regained the place. Himself was hurt in the last attaque, and with much ado saved himself by a postern, and got to Hennebond; from thence he went into Eng∣land, where he thought to find best Chyrurgeons: he died of his wounds in Lon∣don, detested of all good and loyal Frenchmen, and passionately regretted by Ed∣ward, who promis'd him to revenge his death.

And in effect, he landed soon afterwards in Bretagne, where all at one time he besieged Vannes, Rennes, and Guincamp, protesting he did not intend to break the Truce made with the French, but only he would defend and protect the Lands of a Pupil; he meant Montfort's Son, to whom he had promised his Daughter in Mar∣riage. On the other hand, the Duke of Normandy thought he did not infringe it if he assisted Charles de Blois his Cousin German.

[Year of our Lord 1342] After divers exploits of War on either part, the Duke hemm'd in Edward before Vannes, both by Sea and Land. Now as the English were reduced to hunger, and the French extreamly incommoded with the Autumn Rains; they were glad on both sides to get out of these straights by a Truce for two years, which was concluded be∣twixt them only for Bretagne. The Legats of the new Pope brought this about; and withal got the promise of both Kings, that they should send to Avignon to the Ho∣ly Father there to determine all their Disputes by a firm and lasting Peace.

[Year of our Lord 1343]

The Twenty eighth of January hapned the death of Robert the Wife, King of Na∣ples, who left his Kingdom to Jane, Daughter of his Son Charles; and the Six∣teenth of September that of Philip King of Navarre: Charles his Son, who since ws surnamed the Bad, came to the Crown, under the Guardianship of Queen Jane of France, his Mother.

[Year of our Lord 1343] The Duke of Normandy and the English Deputies met at Aviguon to Treat about a Peace: and although they could not come to an agreement in any one thing, yet nevertheless it was believed they would conclude a Peace at last; because the Popes Mediation was pleasing to both Princes. But here an unhappy accident falls in their way, and not only stopt their proceedings towards a Peace, but set them at farther distance then ever they were, and overwhelmed France with a deluge of woes.

[Year of our Lord 1344] Oliver de Clisson, and Ten or Twelve Lords Bretons of the French party, having accompanied Charles de Blois to a Turnament that was held at Paris, the King caus∣ed them to be all made prisoners, upon some suspition of their holding intelligence with the English, and soon after beheaded, without any Trial or Hearing of their

Case, to the great astenishment of all the World, and indignation of the Nobi∣lity, whose Blood till then, had never been shed but in Battle: and indeed this too severe King, who revenged even his own mistrusts, did so alienate the affection of his Grandees, that they served him but very ill, when he had need of them upon great occasions.

[Year of our Lord 1344. and 45.] The death of these Lords of Bretagne, enraged the King of England; he was almost like to have done the same to Henry Lord of Leon, of Charles de Blois his party, whom he held a prisoner; but upon the humble intreaties of the Earl of Derby, he gave him his Life and Liberty, upon condition he should go and declare to King Philip, that the Truce was infringed by this Murther, and that he was now going to begin the War anew; as he quickly did, as well in Guyenne by the Earl of Derby, assisted by the Gascon Lords under his obedience, as in Bretagne by Montforts party, till he could go himself and carry a War into the very heart of the Kingdom.

[Year of our Lord 1344] The people of France had liberally granted to King Philip, very notable Subsi∣dies of Money for his Wars; he raised them by much, and which was worse, he setled a new one upon Salt; for which cause, Edward by way of railery, called him the Author of the Salique Law. This impost which makes the Sun and Water to be sold so dear, was the invention of the Jews, mortal enemies to the name of Chri∣stians, as the word or term Gabel denotes, which comes from the Hebrew.

[Year of our Lord 1345] The Earl of Derby, after the having refreshed himself at Bourdeaux, with the For∣ces he had brought from England, took the Field to fall upon the Provinces on this side the Dordogne. The Earl de Laille and the Gascon Lords, who had thrown them∣selves into Bregerac, thinking to obstruct his passage over that River, were constrain∣ed to abandon that Town to him, and to let him over-run all the Upper Gascongny, where he conquer'd several small places.

When he was returned to Bourdeaux, the Earl de Laille took his opportunity, ha∣ving sent for the Lords of that Countrey, he being as it were Vice-Roy, and laid Sieg to Aubero••ke, but not with the like success. The Earl of Derby coming to its relief with only a••thousand Men, defeated his Army, which consisted of Tenthou∣sand, and took him prisoner, with eight or ten Earls and Vicounts more. After which, he with much ease, besieged and took the Cities de la Reole, Angoulesine, and divers others.

John Earl of Montfort had been set at liberty by virtue of the Truce, upon con∣dition that he should not depart the Court: notwithstanding he goes and puts him∣self at the head of his Forces in Bretagne; he besieged Kemper, but was so far from taking it, that himself had like to be taken. Going from thence he sacked and burnt Dinant: then over burthen'd with grief and anger, for the slow progress in his Affairs he died about the end of September; leaving the management of his pretensions to his Wife and his Son, who was yet very young. He had the same name as his Father, and afterwards gained the Surname of Valiant.

[Year of our Lord 1345] The famous Artevelle had made a promise to King Edward, to procure, that his Son the Prince of Wales should be owned for Earl of Flanders by the great Cities, to the exclusion of their natural Lord. Upon this assurance Edward carries his Son to Scluse: the Deputies of the Cities went to wait on him, he treated them very mag∣nificently, but they would not hear of disinheriting their Earl.

Artevelle's enemies did not fail to make use of this occasion, to stir up the peo∣ples hatred against him. When he was returned to Ghent, having been so ill advised as to remain some days at Scluse, after the other Deputies, the People fell upon him and murther'd him. The King of England retir'd in a fury for the death of his good friend however, the Cities of Flanders having sent their Deputies to him, he ac∣cepted their satisfaction, and the offer they made him, to bestow the Daughter of their Earl upon the Prince of Wales.

There was great reason to put some stop to the Earl of Derby's progress in Guy∣enne, the Duke of Normandy goes to Toulouze in the beginning of January, with an hundred thousand Men bearing Arms. All this formidable multitude did no more in three Months, besides the taking of two or three little paltry Towns in Angenois, and the City of Angoulesme; whence they fell down upon Tonneius, and after that, came and hesieged Aiguillon, seated on the confluence of the Rivers* 1.11 d'Olt, and de Garonne, well munition'd, and well fortify'd those times.

In all this age we do not find a more memorable Siege, either for the Attaques, or the Defence. They made three Assaults each day for a whole week together, then they came to their Artillery, and their Engins both by Sea and Land. Philip the Son of Eudes Duke of Burgundy, and Earl of Boulogne by his Wife, who was Daughter

and Heyress of Earl William, was wounded upon a Salley, whereof he died. At last the Battle of Cressy* 1.12 being lost drew away the Duke of Normandy from this Siege, which till then he obstaintely continued.

[Year of our Lord 1346] The Second day of June, Edward with a Fleet of Two hundred Sail, wherein he had Four* 1.13 thousand Men at Arms: Ten thousand Archers, and as many Foot, as well Irish as Welshmen, puts to Sea with his eldest Son, with intent to land in Guyenne. He did not relye so much upon his Forces, as upon the secret discontents of the French Nobility, and the intelligence he held with many of the Grandees. He had with him Gefroy, Brother of the Earl of Harco••r; a Lord very powerful in Normandy, who having lost the favour of King Philip in his indignation, and finding no certain se∣curity there, went into England.

The winds having turned Edward two several times out of his road towards Guyenne, this Gefroy inslamed with revenge, perswaded him that Heaven would have him steer his course for Normandy, a fat and plentiful Countrey, that had not felt a War for two ages; so that he went and landed at the Port de la Hogue St. Vaast in Constantin, near St. Sauveur, which were Lands belonging to Gefr••y, resolved to cross thorough France to go and joyn the Flemmings.

[Year of our Lord 1346] His Army marched divided by day in three Bodies, which joyned together at night. Gefroy undertook the Office of Field▪ Marshal. The Cities of Valongnes, Ca∣rentan, St. Lo, and Harfleur were his first prey. Rodolph* 1.14 Earl of ••u and of Guisnes, Constable of France, and the Count de Tancarville, whom the King had sent to Caen, encreased his Spoil and Fame by taking them prisoners, with the defeat of Twenty thousand Men; the Burghers, braver in words then deeds, having fortaken them in the midst of the Fight.

Going from thence, he continued his march by the Bishopricks of Lisieux and Evreux, saccaged and burnt all along the Seine, even to Paris, but approached not nigh Rouen, and came and encamped at P••issy; from thence he sent a defiance to Phil••p, to fight him under the Walls of the Louvre: but after he had staid there five days, fearing to be enclosed betwixt the Rivers of Seine and Oyse, he caused the Bridges to be repaired, and passed into Beatvaisis, with design to retire into his Coun∣ty of Ponthieu, marking his road all the way with long traces of Fire and Blood.

[Year of our Lord 1346] Philip foaming with rage to behold with his own eyes from his capital City, suh Flames in the very heart of his Kingdom, goes forth to pursue him in great haste, that he might fight him before he could pass the Somme. Edward not being able to find any passage over the River, was so happy as to have a prisoner that shew∣ed him the Foord of Blanquetague below Abbevilie. Gondemar du Fay a Norman Lord could not hinder him with Twelve thousand Men from passing at low Water, and was put to the rout. The same Evening Edward went and encamped at Cressy, and the next day Philip lodged at Abbevilie, which is within three Leagues of it on this side; he had not less then an hundred thousand Men, with which he might have hemm'd them in, and reduced them to a Famine in a few days: but he believieng that having over-taken them, was conquering them, he marches the next day out of Abbeville, and gives him battle the same day, which was the Six and twentieth of August.

His too hasty March, and three long Leagues of way, had made the French lose both their breath and strength before they engaged the enemy. On the contrary, the English were fresh and recruited, and dispair re-doubled their courage. The Ge∣noese the chief strength of Philips Infantry, who were commanded by Antony d'Oria, and Charles Grimaldi, did nothing to the purpose their Cross-bow strings being made useless by a deluge of Rain that fell just upon the first beginning of their Service; they retreating from before a showre of the English Arrows, the Count d'Alenson, who suspected it to be Treachery, rides quite over them with his Cavalry, and so began the rout. We must also take notice, that in this famous Battle, the English had four or five pieces of Canon which gave much terror, for that was the first time they ever saw those thundering in our Wars. To all this add, that some amongst the Grandees, very glad to see Philip engaged upon this occasion, made more shew then they did service. These causes chiefly gave the victory to the English.

The Battle lasted from four in the Afternoon till Two the next Morning. A great flight of Ravens, which a little hefore the Fight were observed to hover over the French Army, were esteemed as a presage of their defeat.

Of the French side there remained dead upon the place Thirty thousand Foot, Twelve hundred Knights, and Fourscore Banners taken. John King of Bohemia,

Charles Earl of Alenson, Brother to the King, Lewis Earl of Flanders, and Twelve or Fifteen of the most illustrious Counts lost their Lives. King John, stark blind as he was, fought very valiantly, having caused his Horses Bridle to be sastned to the Bridles of two of his bravest Knights horses. His Son Charles, King of the Romans was hurt with three wounds; but it is not true that the Kings of Majorca, Scotland, and Navarre were in this Engagement; the two first were in their own Countreys, busie enough about their own concerns, and the other not above the age of Thirteen or Fourteen years, under the tuition of his Mother.

The King this time Ʋnfortunate, retired out of the Battle, under the favour of the night, and saved his Person in the Castle of Broye, from thence got to Amiens, and so to Paris, to raise another Army.

The next day another slaughter, twice greater then the former was made, by Five hundred Lances, and two thousand Archers, amongst the common People, who being ignorant of what had hapned, were marching to the French Camp.

The English having ravaged all Boulonois at their pleasure, went and laid Siege to Calais about the Eighth of September, and stuck close to it with the more security, upon the news that David King of Scotland was vanquish'd and made prisoner by the Queen of England, upon his falling on the Frontiers.

[Year of our Lord 1346]

Before the Battle of Cressy, the Emperour Lewis was Excommunicated by the Pope, and degraded by Five Electors, who in his stead placed Charles the Son of John King of Bohemia. This Prince after the death of Lewis, which hapned in October the following year, got his Election confirmed, and bought the Claims of two or three others, who disputed their Title to the Empire with him, because they had been named by some of the Electors.

[Year of our Lord 1347] After the Duke of Normandy had raised the Siege of Aiguillon, the Earl of Derby remained Master of the Field, regained all that part of Guyenne which lies beyond the Dordogne; and having passed the Rivers, ravaged and burnt Saintonge and Poitou, took St. John d'Angely and kept it, sacaged the great City of Poitiers and quitted it, after he had refreshed himself there for Twelve days together.

[Year of our Lord 1346. and 47.] The Flemmings having lost their Earl at the Battle of Cressy, sent a Deputation to the King to re-demand his Son who was their natural Prince. Whilst he was in their power, they had assianced him to King Edwards Daughter; but that Alliance be∣ing contrary to his inclination, he escaped from them, and returned to the Court of France.

After he had staid there a year, he made a particular peace with the English, by the consent of Philip his Sovereign. It was agreed that he should permit the Flem∣mings to give them assistance: but as for himself he should not intermeddle with the Affairs either of the one or other of the two Princes.

[Year of our Lord 1347] The Flemmings being at Edwards Devotion, made great inroads upon Artois; and on the other side John de Montforts party got the upper hand in Bretagne by the help of the English. For Charles de Blois, going to besiege la Roche de Rien; Montfort gave him Battle the Twentieth of June, vanquish'd him, and took him prisoner with his two Sons John and Guy, and most of the Lords of his party. His Wife, whom am∣bition, and the Royal Blood she came of, inspired but with too much courage, ga∣thered up the fragments, and maintained the business so well, that he recover'd once more.

[Year of our Lord 1347] It was but in vain that Philip advanced between Wissant and Calais, with an Army of One hundred and fifty thousand Men, to relieve the City; the English had enclosed* 1.15 his Camp with such good Trenches, that he could find no way to attaque him. The besieged driven to the severest extremity of Famine, were forced to surrender the last day of August.

Fame shall never forget the name of Eustace de St. Pierre, the most noted Citizen of Calais, and his heroick generosity to save his fellow Citizens. Edward mortally enraged at their long resistance, would not receive them on composition, unless they would deliver up to him six of their principal Burghers to do what he pleased with them: The Council not knowing what to resolve, and the whole City remain∣ing [Year of our Lord 1347] exposed to the revenge of a cruel Conquerour; Eustace freely proffer'd to be one of those Six: By his example there soon follow'd enough to make up the number, who went out in their Shirts with Ropes about their Necks to deliver the Keys to Edward. He was so obstinately bent to put them to death, that the Queen his Wife had all the trouble imaginable to obtain his pardon for their Lives. He drove out

all the Inhabitants of the place, even the Ecclesiastiques, and repeopled it with na∣tural English.

Robert King of Sicilia having no Heirs of his own Body, but Jane* 1.16 the Daugh∣ter of his Son Charles Duke of Calabria, had Married her, Anno 1333. to Andrew, Second Son of Carobert King of Hungary, the eldest of these two being then but se∣ven years of age. It hapned Twelve years afterwards, Andrew not being enough to Jane's liking, and having been Crowned King by the Pope, pretending that the Kingdom did delong to him, certain Conspirators made him rise one night out of the Bed where he was lying with her, and hanged him at a Windore. Charles Prince of Duras, who was likewise of the blood of the Kings of Sicilia, and had espoused Mary the Sister of Jane, was Counsellor, and Author of this infamous act. Jane was not innocent; well might she lament and sigh, her cries and tears signified less towards her justification, then her subsequent Marriage with Lewis her Cousin-Ger∣man, a lovely Prince, and according to her desires, made for her conviction.

Lewis the Great, King of Hungary, being come into Italy to revenge the death of his Brother Andrew, and to get the Kingdom, Treated Charles de Duras in the same manner as they had used King Andrew. He would have done the like to the Princess and her fair Husband, had they fallen into his hands, for which reason she fled away in good time to her County of Provence, and her Husband soon after her. The Pope shewed her great respect, but taking advantage of the extreme necessity she was re∣duced unto; he got from her the City and County of Avignon, for which he was to give but Fourscore thousand Gold Florins of Florence * 1.17, but over and besides this bargain he approved her Marriage with Prince Lewis, who in requital ratified this sale. It belongs to the Lawyers to judge whether the minority of this Queen, and the Edicts she afterwards made, to declare null all alienations of the Lands in Provence, which had been made as well in the Reign of Robert, as by her self whilst she was yet a Minor, do not make this Contract void and null: but the Emperour Charles IV. confirmed it, and wholly freed this County from the subjection of the Empire, of whom it held, as being an Under-Fief of the Kingdom of Arles.

We ought to know that when the Earls Alphonso de Toulouze, and Raimond Beren∣ger of Barcelona, married the two Daughters of Gilbert ••arl of Provence, and part∣ed his Succession between them (whereof Alphonso had all from the Durance to the Lisere, with the Title of a Marquisate; and Raimond what is from the Durance to the Sea, with that of an Earldom) they likewise divided the City of Avignon betwixt them; and that the Kings of France as Successors to Alphonso de Poitiers, Brother of St. Lewis, who married the Heyress of Toulouze, had enjoy'd the one moity till the year 1290. When Charles the Fair gave it to Charles II. King of Sicilia, upon the Marriage of Charles de Valois his Brother, with Margaret the Daughter of that King.

The Lords of Montmorency de Charny and others, who commanded the French For∣ces in Artois and Picardy, thinking it might not be amiss to recover Calais during the Truce, held some intelligence with Aymery of Pavia, a Lombard Captain in that Ci∣ty; but the double-hearted Traitor gave ear to them only to surprize them; he gave notice of it to Edward, who desiring to be of the party, passed the Sea with ••ight hundred Men at Arms, that this great draught might not break out of the Net, so that when it came to be put in execution, they found themselves unfortu∣nately caught in the toyl with the Twenty thousand Crown bargain, and a thousand select Men; whereof One hundred of them who had engaged themselves in a Tow∣er belonging to the Castle, and the rest who waited for entrance, were charged and cut in pieces, after a brave defence.

In the Month of August of the year 1348. there appeared on the side of Paris a kind of Comet or Star, extraordinary Luminous, the Sun being not then Set; it appeared as not very far distant from the Earth: the following night it was thought to be much greater, and divided in several Rayes: but soon after it dis∣appeared.

[Year of our Lord 1348] France was miserably tormented all manner of ways; it had undergone a horrible Famine Anno 1338. and after that the spoil the Soldiers made, had caused every

thing to be held excessive dear, and kept the whole Kingdom in great scarcity. This year 1348. A cruel Plague made all the Provinces desolate; the Exactions worse then all these Plagues together, ruined the People utterly; and by I know not what curse, the more the Taxes were increased, the more indigent was the King.

[Year of our Lord 1348]

There never had been any Plague more furious and destructive, then that in Ann. 1348. It was universal over all our Hemisphere; there was neither City, nor Vil∣lage, nor House but was infected. It began in the Kingdom of Cathay, Anno 1346. by a vapour that was most horrible stinking, which breaking out of the Earth like a king of subterraneal Fire, consumed and devoured above Two hundred Leagues of that Countrey, even to the very Trees and Stones, and infected the Air in such manner, that there fell down millions of young Serpents, and other venemous In∣fects. From Cathay it passed into Asia and Greece, thence into Africk, afterwards into Europe, which it ransacked throughout, to the very utmost bounds of the North. The venome was so contagious that it infected by the very sight; It was observed to last Five Months in its full force and rage, where once it had got footing. Those that suffered least by the Sword of this exterminating Angel, could hardly save one Third of the Inhabitants: but in many places it did not leave above the Fifteenth or the Twentieth person alive.

[Year of our Lord 1348] Money was wanting, they set upon squeezing the Officers of the Treasury; a∣mongst others Peter des Essards the Kings Treasurer, was condemned to the sum of a hundred thousand Gold Florins, which was moderated to the half. Afterwards to stop the peoples Mouths, and daily complaints they chose out for the management of the Treasury, two Bishops, two Abbots, and four Knights, and they expelled all the Italian Usurers, called Lombards, out of the Kingdom. The principal Lottery-Money they had lent, was taken and confiscated to the King; this was but about Four hundred thousand Livres, but their Use-Money, which was two Millions, was remitted to the Owners. [Year of our Lord 1348]

Queen Jane, Daughter of Robert Duke of Burgundy, being dead in the year 1349 King Philip, though he were yet in mourning weeds, took fire for Blanch, Daughter of Philip, King of Navarre. He had sent for her to be Married to his Son, but he liked her best for himself, and did wed her.

[Year of our Lord 1349] There had been for many years a mortal War between the Earls of Savoy, and the Dauphins de Viennois. The Dauphin Humbert, feeble in Body and Courage, not able to endure the continual Attaques of Amé VI called the Earl Verd * 1.18, and besides being very melancholy for the loss of his only Son, withal over Head and Ears in debt, and having no love for his kindred, bethought himself of giving up his Coun∣trey to some great potentate, who might plague, and put the Savoyard to as much trouble as he had put him. His inclination was to make an accommodation with the Pope; the People could have wished to be under the Government of the Savoyard, that they might have no more war on that side: but the Nobility liked rather to be under the King of France, who had Employments and Offices to bestow. Henry de Villars Arch-Bishop of Lyons, and John de Chisy Bishop of Grenoble, byass'd the Dukes mind, so as to make it run that way.

He had therefore in the year 1343. made a Donation to King Philip, of the Lord∣ship of Daulphine, and the Lands adjoyning, upon condition that all their privi∣ledges should be preserved intirely; that it should be incorporated for ever in the Crown of France, and that the Kings eldest Son should enjoy it, and bear the Title and the Arms of Daulphine; for which the King gave him Forty thousand Crowns of Gold, and ten thousand Florins Rent to be levied on the Countrey.

[Year of our Lord 1349] This year 1349. he confirmed the Contract, and afterwards retired himself into a Convent of the Jacobins, where he took on the Habit. The Pope tyed him to the Church by Sacred Orders, fearing he might start back and gainsay the thing. He received them all on Christmass-day, the Subdiaconal at midnight Mass, the Dia∣conal at Mass by break of day, and the Priesthood at the Third Mass. The same day he Celebrated, and eight days after was promoted to Episcopacy, and honou∣red with the Title of Patriarch of Alexandria.

[Year of our Lord 1350] In 1350. Philip had likewise, either by purchase or by engagement of James of Arragon King of Majorca, the Counties of Rousillon and Cerdagna in the Pyreneans, and bought of the same Prince the Barony of Montpellier in Languedoc, which the House of Arragon held in Under-Fief of the Crown of France, for the sum of Six∣score thousand Crowns of Gold, currant Money.

In the Month of June, of the year 1350. the Truces wer prolonged between the Kings for three years.

[Year of our Lord 1350] Two Months afterwards Philip fell sick at Nogent le Roy, perhaps of the toil and fatigue of his new Marriage, very often mortal to antient people that take beautiful Wives. Feeling his last hour draw near, he sent for his Children and the Princes of his Blood, and gave them warning and counsel to live in amity and concord with one another, make a Peace if it could be had, maintain good Order, and countenance Justice, case the People, and other fine and excellent things which Princes oftner re∣commend to their Successors at their deaths, then practise themselves while they are alive. He expired the Two and twentieth day of August, in the seven and fiftieth year of his age, and in the Three and twentieth of his Reign. Very brave in his own person, more happy in Negotiations then in Battle, hard-hearted towards his Sub∣jects, suspitious, vindicative, and one that suffer'd himself to be too far transported by the impetuosity of his anger.

He had two Wives, Jane and Blanch, that the Daughter of Robert II. Duke of Burgundy, and this of Philip d'Evreux King of Navarre: By the First he left two Sons, John who Reigned, Philip who was Duke of Orleans, but had no posterity; and one Daughter named Mary, who Married John Duke of Limburgh, Son of John III. Duke of Brabant. By his Second he had but only one Daughter, Posthumus, she was named Jane, who died at Beziers in the year 1373., as they were conducting her to Barcelona, to marry John Duke of Girona, eldest Son to Peter IV. King of Arragon. The Queen her Mother survived her Husband almost Fifty years, which she passed in perpetual Widdow-hood. Thus under the Reign of King John, there were two Queens Dowagers in France, this same, and Jane d'Evreux widdow of Charles the Fair, who died in the Month of May, Anno 1970.

John I. King L.

By some called the Good King; Aged XLII years.

POPES,

• CLEMENT VI. Two years three Months, during this Reign.
• INNOCENT VI. Elected in December 1352. S. Nine years, and near Nine Months.
• URBAN V. Elected the Eighth of October, 1362. S. Eight years and above Two Months, whereof one year and Six Months during this Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1350] AFter John had assisted at the Funeral of the King his Father, he was Crowned at Reims, with his Second Wife Jane of Boulogue, the Twen∣ty sixty day of September. From thence he came and made his entrance in∣to Paris the Seventeenth of October, sate in his Seat of Justice in Paris, gave the Order of Knighthood to his two eldest Sons, to some other Princes and Lords, and began some shew of labouring about the Polity, and the Reformation of the whole Estate.

The Prince having maturity of age, the experience of Affairs, a valour tried in occasions, the example of his faults before his Eyes, and four Sons that would soon be able to draw their Swords, promised a happy conduct, and a most flourishing Government: yet having the same defects as his Father, too much of im∣petuosity and precipitation for revenge, little prudence, and as little consideration for the miseries of his poor people, he fell into greater misfortunes, and such as did not let go their hold, but stuck to him till his death.

The Blood wherewith he sullied the entrance of his Reign, was a presage, and perhaps a cause of it, much likelier then the prodigious Comet which appeared this year. Rodolph Earl of Eu and of Guisnes, Constable of France, a prisoner of War to the English ever since the Battle of Caen, had made divers voyages into France [Year of our Lord 1350] to procure his own deliverance, and that of his Compagnons. Some perswaded the King, were it true or false, that under this pretence he practised some contrivances in favour of the English; he was then arrested by the Prevost of Paris the Sixteenth of November, and the Nineteenth beheaded obscurely, and without form of Process, in presence of the Duke of Bourbon, and seven or eight Lords of note, before whom it was given out in publique he had confessed his crime.

His spoil was thus divided; his Office of Constable was given to Charles d'Espagne de la Cerde, Favourite to the King; the Earldom of En, to John d'Artois Son of that Robert of whom we have mention'd so much, and that of Guisnes to Jane the only Daughter of the defunct, whose first Husband was Gualter Duke d'Athenes, and her Second to Lewis Earl d'Estampes, of the Branch d'Evreux, from which sprung that of the Earls d'Eu Princes of the Blood.

[Year of our Lord 1351] That he might not be inferiour in magnificence to the English who was a sumptu∣ous and liberal Prince, who had instituted the Order of the Garter; King John instituted, or rather revived the Order of the Star, in a famous Assembly which he held in his Palace of St. Ouyn neer Paris, and ordained, that whereas those Knights

did formerly wear the Star upon their Helmets or Crest, or hung about their necks, they should now have them embroidered on their Cloaths. The Chapter was held upon Twelfth-day. Charles the Fifth his Son observing this Order, much debased by the multitude of mean people admitted, left it to the Chevalier that Commanded the Watch and his Archers.

* 1.19 Though the Truce was not expir'd, there was still some enterprize upon one ano∣ther. The English seized upon Guisnes, having corrupted the Governour with Mo∣ney. Edward excused it pleasantly; saying, The Truces were Merchandise, and that he did no more then follow the example of King Philip, who would have bought [Year of our Lord 1351] Calais. The Traytor that had sold Guisnes, was taken, and drawn in pieces by four wild Horses.

Guy de Nesle Mareschal of France was defeated and taken with Arnold d'Endreghen, and several people of note in a rencounter in Guyenne.

[Year of our Lord 1350, and 51.] In Bretagne the two parties of Blois and Montfort, though they had only two Wo∣men in the head of them, were perpetually engaging and fighting it out desperately. In those days challenges between Cavaliers, and the chief Commanders of parties that were enemies was very common, but more frequent between a certain number appointed on each side, then singly hand to hand; and indeed they called them Bat∣tles. The most remarkable in these years, was that of Thirty Bretons, against as many English Richard Brembo was the chief of these, and the Lord de Beaumanoir of the others. The victory fell to the Bretons, and the greatest Honour to their Chief * 1.20.

The following year 1351. Charles ▪de Blois, who had been four years a prisoner in England, was released upon ransom, giving two of his Sons for hostage till the pay∣ment of it; and till he had discharged that debt he forbore to take up Arms.

The Lords that had been taken prisoners in their attempt upon Calais, having been discharged, carried on the War with the Mareschal de Beaujeu about the Countrey of St. Omers; having upon a time surprized the Lombard that had betraid them, they [Year of our Lord 1351] caused him to be quartered alive.

The Earl of Flanders had deny'd to assist at the Kings Coronation, because they refused to restore his three Cities to him: nevertheless he came to Paris to pay homage for his Lands, and renew the Treaty of Confederation.

[Year of our Lord 1352]

The Sixth of December hapned the death of Pope Clement VI. Cardinal Stephen d'Albert, a Limosin by birth, and Bishop of Clermont succeeded him the Eighteenth of the same Month, and took the name of Innocent VI.

[Year of our Lord 1353] King Charles of Navarre his return into the Kingdom, brought with it a long train of war and calamities. He had all the good qualities that a wicked Soul renders pernicious, Wit, Eloquence, Craft, Resolution, and Liberality.

Though he had this year 1353. married Jane, one of the Kings Daughters, he gave not over from pursuing his pretensions to the Counties of Brie and Champagne, and also Angoulesme. Charles d'Espagne, to whom the King had given this last, dis∣swaded him from proffering satisfaction. The Navarrois discontented, retires to his County of Evreux; and understanding that the Constable was in his Castle de l'Aigle; he undertakes a thing as base as it was bold; He carries with him a hundred Horse—men, [Year of our Lord 1354] scales the Castle (it was on the Sixth of January) and makes them stab him in his Bed. That done, he had the insolence to own the fact, to justifie himself by Letters to the King and Council, and all the good Cities of the Kingdom, to raise Forces, fortifie his Towns, and sollicite all the neighbouring Princes to a League against France.

[Year of our Lord 1354] The King dissembles him and flatters him to draw him to Paris, but he will not come till they grant him conditions very advantagious, of Lands for the value of Brie and Champagne, the independance of his Earldom of Evreux from all others but the King, full and free Absolution for those that had murthered the Constable; and besides all this, a very considerable sum of Money, and the Kings Second Son in Hostage.

[Year of our Lord 1354] Upon these Securities he appears in the Parliament of Paris the third day of March. The King sitting on his Throne, attended by the Pairs, the Legat, and di∣vers Prelats. The criminal having crav'd his pardon in a studied Speech, intermixed with complaints and excuses; the Constable had order to arrest him, only for forms sake, and lead him out to the next room, while they debated: then straightway he was released upon the request of the two Queens, the Widdows of Charles the

Fair, and of Philip de Valois. The Legat made him a grave Remonstrance, and after all, the King declared him Absolv'd.

* 1.21 Some few days after he retired into Normandy, but went immediately without leave of the King, and made a journey to Avignon. He went ierreting up and down till the English should take the Field; whereupon the King enters again into Normandy and seized his Lands: but that Prince returning from Navarre by Sea, having brought Forces that sacaged all the Countrey; and besides, it being [Year of our Lord 1355] feared, the English would soon Land, it was thought sitter to make use of kindness; Charles the Kings eldest Son soothed him so finely that he was pacified, and least in appearance, and came with him to Paris.

The Emperour Charles IV. goes to be Crowned at Rome, or rather to be co∣ver'd with shame, having made that infamous Contract with the Pope, that he would not sojourn so much as one whole day in that City; which brought both [Year of our Lord 1355] himself and the Empire, into the most despicable condition. The year following, upon the Eleventh of January, he made that famous Constitution, called the Golden Bull, of which the Politicians judge very variously.

Upon a Shrove-Tuesday night the English by Scalado took the Castle of Nantes, and the very same night Guy de Rochefort took it again, and hew'd them all in pieces as a reward for their having broken the Truce.

Gaston Phebus Count de Foix, who Married the Sister of the King of Navarre, was sent prisoner to the Chastellet at Paris, because he refused to hold his Lands of the [Year of our Lord 1355] King, perhaps it might be those holden of the English. But in a Month after he was set at liberty, upon condition he should go into Guyenne, and command the Kings Army against the Prince of Wales.

For the Truce was no sooner at an end, but that young Prince invested in the Du∣chy of Guyenne by his Father, began to make himself known by ravaging and burn∣ings. He made incursions, even as far as Beziers and Narbonne, without meeting any opposition from the French Commanders; the Earl of Foix, James de Bourbon Con∣stable, [Year of our Lord 1355] and John de Clermont, who were stronger then his party, but too much di∣vided by jealousies amongst themselves.

His Father at the same time landed at Calais, and ran over all the Boulonois and Artois, even to Hesdin, where he broke through the Park, yet could not force the Castle; but having intelligence that King John was coming directly to him, he pre∣sently retires to Calais, and from thence to his own Island, without returning any an∣swer to the generous challenge sent him by that Prince, to fight him, either hand to hand, or Army against Army.

[Year of our Lord 1356] The charges of this War could not be defray'd without great expences; and at that time no extraordinary Subsidies were Levied without consent of the Estates. The ••ing summon'd them to the Castle of Ruel, where having laid open to them the ne∣cessity of Affairs, they consented to the maintenance of Thirty thousand Men: To make a fund for this, they were fain to set up that Gabel upon Salt again, which had been laid aside, and moreover, impose Eight Deniers per Liver upon all Merchan∣dise, and a certain annual Tax upon every mans Revenues, whether Lands, Benefi∣ces, Offices, nay, even Salarys, and Servants wages.

[Year of our Lord 1356] These excessive Subsidies caused Seditions in many places, especially at Arras. The Mareschal d'Endreghen going in amongst them, under the notion of a pacificator, seiz∣ed upon about a hundred of the most turbulent, whereof a score of them had their Heads taken off.

[Year of our Lord 1356] The Navarrois stirred up the people every where, upon pretence of the publique good. But with all his malice, he was nevertheless so much gull'd, as to be allured by the Dauphin, and drawn into the Castle of Rouen with Lewis Earl of Harcourt, John and William his Brothers, the Lords de Clere, de Graville, de Maubue, de Preaux, and seven or eight more of his Confederates. One day while the Dauphine was Treating them at a Dinner, behold the King comes in at a Postern Gate well armed, seizes upon the King of Navarre and his company, puts the Earl of Harcourt, Graville, Maubue, and Doublet, in two Carts, carries them out into the open fields, and there causes their four Heads to be cut off, without any form of Process or Trial. That done he sends the Navarrois under a strong Guard to the Castle Gailliard d'Andelis, from whence having been removed into several prisons, and often threatned with death, he was conducted to the Castle d'Arleux in Cambresis.

[Year of our Lord 1356] This violent proceeding had very bloody consequences. Philip Brother of the Na∣varrois, and Gefroy Brother to the Earl of Harcourt, who had a good many places in Normandy, called in the English, to revenge that outrage done to their Brothers. The Earl of Derby and the Duke of Lancaster with Four thousand Men began the War in that Countrey.

[Year of our Lord 1356] The King went thither in person, gave them chace as far as l'Aigle, and having scatter'd them in the Woods, laid Siege to Breteuil, a little place which defended it self Seven weeks.

In these unhappy times the smallest Towns fortified themselves, so as to put a stop to the greatest Armies. The very Villages enclosed themselves with Works or Walls against the plundering Soldiers; and this infinite number of Castles served only to lengthen out the War, and devour the People by harbouring Thieves and Cut-throats.

The Nobility and Soldiery seemed as it were to triumph in the miseries of the poor common people. Luxury, who would believe it? took its birth from desola∣tion. The Gentry who had ever been very modest in their Habits, began to adorn themselves with Jewels, Pearls, and Gew-gawes like the Women, to wear plumes of Feathers in their Bonnets, a sign of their levity, and give themselves passionately over to play at Dice all the night long, and all the day at Tennis.

[Year of our Lord 1356] While the King was at Chartres where he was drawing all his Forces together, he was informed that the Prince of Wales with Twelve thousand Men, of which there were but Three thousand natural English, had pillaged Quercy, Auvergne, Limosiu, Berry, and was marching to do the same in Anjou, Tourain, and Poitou. He thought fit to cut off his March upon his Retreat, and led his Army along the Loire. The Prince being advertiz'd, left the Road to Tours, and retired by Poitou: but he could not do it so speedily, but that the Kings Army overtook him within two Leagues of Poitiers. The Prince finding him so neer, entrenched himself amongst the Vines, and strong thick Hedges, nigh the place called Maupertuis.

[Year of our Lord 1356] Cardinal de Perigord the Popes Legat, went often from the one Army to the other to prevent them from coming to blows. Edward offer'd to pay for all the damages he had done in his march from Bourdeaux, to deliver up all his prisoners, and not to bear Arms himself, nor any of his Subjects for Seven years time against France. But King John believing the Victory secure and certain, rejected all his submissions; and blinded with passion and anger, instead of hemming him in and starving him (which could not have failed in three days time) went on headlong with the courage and fury of a Lyon, rather then of a Captain, to attaque him within his fastness the Nineteenth of September. Nay, by the worst advice in the world, he caused all his Horsemen to alight, excepting three hundred select Men, who were to begin the on∣set, and the German Cavalry who had Orders to second them.

[Year of our Lord 1356] The thickness of the Hedges hindred these three hundred Horse from breaking in upon them; the Englishmens bearded Arrows made the Horses mad, and turned the•• upon the Germans; these fell into the Avant-Guard; and they were totally routed by a gross of the enemies who came forth and charged them during their disorder.

Of the four Sons the King had in this Battle, three of them were a little too soon carried out of the fray by their Governours, together with Eight hundred Lances; and this gave a fair pretence of excuse to all such Cowards as were glad to ollow them. There was only Philip the youngest of the four, who obstinately resolved to run the fortune of his Father, and fought by his side.

The Kings single valour sustained the enemies charge a considerable time, and if one fourth part of his Men had but seconded him, no doubt but he had gained the victory. At length he yielded himself up into the hands of John de Morebeque an Artesian Gentleman, whom he had banished the Kingdom for some crime. Philip his Son was taken prisoner with him. There were but Six thousand French kill'd in this fatal day, but of that number were Eight hundred Gentlemen, and amongst those the Duke of Bourbon, the Duke d'Athenes Constable, the Mareschal de Nesle, and above Fifty more of good quality.

The youg Prince as courteous as he was valiant, Treated the King as his Lord. The same night he served him at his Table, and endeavour'd to allay his grief and misfortunes by the most obliging and becoming Language he could express. The next day fearing this noble prey might be snatched from him, and withal observing his soldiers were so loaden with plunder, that they were uncapable of further service, he took his March towards Bourdeaux, and carried away the King and his Son along with him, tg ether with a prodigious number of prisoners.

Charles the Dauphin Lieutenant, then Regent, Aged some XXI years.

[Year of our Lord 1356] THere being no Authority left in the Kingdom, and the King before his departure having not setled any thing in order, all was in a most horrible confusion. The Dauphin at the first took only the quality of Lieutenant upon him, he believed it belonged to the general Estates to provide for the Government of the Kingdom, and the redemption of the King, and therefore having called them together at Paris, the Fifteenth of October, he propounded these two things to them.

But that hapned then, which ever happens in such great disorders, where the people have been evilly treated in their prosperity. Instead of assistance he met with nothing but complaints and sharp rebukes. They would deliberate of nothing in the presence of his Commissioners; they demanded to have the Chancellor set aside, this was Peter de la Forest, Archbishop of Rouen, Simon de Bucy, First President, and six or seven Officers more that had mis-mannaged the Treasury; They would have him set the King of Navarre at liberty, and would have him be governed and guid∣ed by a Council they chose for him; upon which conditions they promised to main∣tain Thirty thousand Men, but which should receive their pay from their own hands.

In the mean time they set up a Council for the Government of the Kingdom, where∣of Robert le Coq Bishop of Laon was the Chief, and Commissioned People that were at their own Devotion to manage the Treasury. The Dauphin not being able to per∣swade them to condescend to any other method, nor bias their resolutions, made use of some wile to break up that Assembly, and upon divers pretences obliged the Deputies of the several Cities to return. Afterwards he dispatched others to all the Bailywicks and Seneschals Courts to demand a subsistence of them severally, hoping that none in particular would dare to refuse him, what when altogether they had boldly denied.

During this confusion, every one imagined, now was the proper time to recover their Rights and Priviledges. The Nobility began to make Alliance with the Cities; The Dauphin found out the way to prevent that union and draw them to himself. The Cities on the other hand grew jealous of the Gentry, so that to preserve them∣selves from being pillaged by the Soldiery, who had all manner of Licence allowed them, they began to fortifie; especially at Paris, where they chained their Streets, repaired their Walls, made good their Ditches, and enclosed all that quarter of the Street St. Anthoine and St. Pol, which before was but the Suburbs. Stephen Mar∣cel Prevost des Merchands, and Ronsac the Sheriff had full power over the People, and govern'd them at their own pleasure. [Year of our Lord 1356]

The unfortunate Gefroy de Harcourt had sold his Lands in Normandy to the English,* 1.22 to enjoy it after his decease, disinheriting Lewis his Nephew, because he would not take up ARms against his own Countrey. He had some Forces at St. Sauveur le Vi∣comte, from whence they made their incursions to the Suburbs of Caen, and even to Evreux. The Estates assembled at Paris, had sent four Captains thither to make head against him; he marching into the Fields to meet them near the City of Coutances, was there defeated and slain; had he been taken alive, they would have made him pay down his Head upon a Scaffold, he chose rather to dye with his Sword in hand.

The Duke of Lancaster, and Philip of Navarre, who made War in Normandy with Philip d'Evreux, not being able to pass over the Loire, to assist the Prince of Wales, amidst the danger he was in before the Battle of Poitiers, were fallen down into Bre∣tagne. The Duke laid Siege to Rennes the Third of December, in this year 1356. but [Year of our Lord 1356] the place was so well defended, that he could make nothing of it in Ten Months time.

After the example of their Sovereign, who had studied more the enlarging of his [☜] power then the publique good; every one took care now of his particular interest, and overturned all that lay in his way to attain his own ends. The Deputies whom the Dauphin had sent into all the Provinces, brought nothing back but grievances; the only Countrey of Languedoc, because they had been less oppressed by Taxes then the rest, testified a publique sorrow for the captivity of their Prince, and proffer'd to maintain Five thousand Horse for his Service, the others refused every thing but what should be ordained by the Estates.

[Year of our Lord 1356] The Dauphin had Commanded some new Money to be Coined; but being gone to Metz to confer with the Emperour Charles IV. his Cousin, who stood up migh∣tily for the interests of the House of France, the Duke of Anjou whom he had left at Paris, was compell'd by Stephen Marcel to forbid the carrying it on.

[Year of our Lord 1357] Wanting some publique Authority to get himself to be declared Regent, he had summoned the Estates upon the Fifth of February to meet at Paris, at the Cordeliers; but could obtain no more from them then he had done the former time. They for∣ced the Chancellor la Forest to lay down the Seals, turned out all the principal Offi∣cers of the Treasury, caused all their Goods to be seized and inventoried, and up∣on the warm Remonstrances of Robert le Coq Bishop of Laon, removed all the Great Officers of the Kingdom; even those of the Parliament, excepting Sixteen, The Dauphin not finding what he reckon'd on, Adjourn'd the Assembly till Fifteen days after Easter.

Whether it were the inconveniency of that time of the year, or the greediness and covetous humor of the Gascons, each one of them demanding as much reward, as if he alone had gained the Battle, and taken the King, which hindred the English from removing him out of Bourdeaux; he passed all the Winter there, but Served and Treated as if he had been in his own Courr.

[Year of our Lord 1357] About the beginning of April they transferr'd him into England, where he was entertained with as much Honour and Respect, as if he had gone over only to pay a kind visit to King Edward. They made him a publique entrance at London, he was mounted upon a White Horse, a mark of Sovereignty, and the Prince of Wales on his left hand upon a little Hackney, They lodged him in the Savoy palace; the King, the Queen, and the Grandees visited him, and gave him all sort of liberty. In the mean time the Popes instant mediation obtained a Truce for two years between both Crowns, in which John de Montfort and Philip d'Evreux were not comprehended.

The Duke of Lancaster had sworn not to rise from before Rennes, till he had got∣ten in, and planted his Banners upon their Ramparts; whist his Army was in ap∣prehension [Year of our Lord 1357] of a second Winter, and the Besieged on the other hand reduced to Fa∣mine, Betrand de Guesclin found an expedient to save the Dukes Oath, which was, That he should enter the Town with nine more, and his Colours should be set up on the Gate for some hours. To conclude this Treaty, they made a Truce between the two parties, which was to last till the year 1360.

[Year of our Lord 1357] The bands of Soldiers being neither cashier'd nor paid, the Robbers flock'd together with all sorts of other ras••ally people, and scowred all the Countreys about, without any fear or punishment, all the open Countrey lying exposed to their merciless mer∣cy. There were five or six several Gangs, but the most dreadful crew of them was, [Year of our Lord 1357] that of one Arnold de Ceruoles, who called himself the Arch-Priest; he entred into the County of Avignon, forced the Pope to redeem the plunder of his Lands at the price of Forty thousand Crowns, and afterwards to give him Absolution, and Treat him at his own Table with as much Honour as if he had been a Sovereign Prince.

[Year of our Lord 1357] The persons Commissioned by the Estates for the administration of the Treasury, made it soon apparent, that they had not taken it in hand to dispossess Knaves, but to have a share in that prize and pillage themselves; so that their corrupt dealing, no less criminal then that of the former Officers so much cried out upon, did much blemish their choice, and by consequence the authority of the Estates.

The Dauphin being therefore better fortified by the arrival of the Earls of Foix [Year of our Lord 1357] and Armagnac, and a great number of the Nobility, did at length shake off their Tu∣telage, and making le Coq return to his own Bishoprick, his party became the strong∣est in Paris.

But immediately afterwards, the Navarrois was set free from his imprisonment by the intrigues of his people, who escalado'd the Castle wherein he was detained: which was not done without connivance of the Lord de Pequigny, to whom King John had committed the keeping of this Prince. Then le Coq returns, and the Council re∣sumed greater power then formerly.

The Dauphin apprehended nothing so much as the malignity of that Prince, ex∣asperated by a long imprisonment: nevertheless, the importunities of the Council establisht by the Estates, and the intercession of the two Queens Dowagers, Jean and Blanch, obliged him to give him a safe Conduct, with which he came and lodged in the Abbey of St. Germain des Prez, accompanied with a huge number of his friends.

Some while after having caused it to be proclaimed about the City, That he would entertain* 1.23 the People upon St. Andrews day; there came above Ten thou∣sand Men to the Tilting-place, which was between the Abbey of St. Germains and the Pré aux Clercs. He mounted the Scaffold, from whence the King was wont to behold Combats or Duels; and there with a most pathetical Eloquence, declared the injustice of nis tedious Confinement; the tyrannical execution of his friends, the zeal he had for the good of the Nation; and above all, express'd his mighty af∣fection for the defence of Paris, which was the capital City.

His flattering harangue tickled the People the more▪ by reason, that for some time they had met with nothing but severities. The next day he was received into the City: the Dauphin and he had an enterview in an indifferent place. Le Coq Head of the Council, the Prevost des Merchands, nay, even the University, pressed the Dau∣phin so home to give him satisfaction, that he was sain to agree to all he pleased. However, when he would have gone into his Towns thinking to take possession, those that commanded there for the King, refused to deliver them up to him or his Com∣missaries.

[Year of our Lord 1358] Upon this refusal he begins the War anew. Had the English assisted him considera∣bly, he would have over-turned the whole Kingdom; but having dropt an expressi∣on in his speech to the People, That he had more right to the Crown of France, then those that disputed for it, they lent him no more assistance then to enable him to draw the War to a great length, that so each party weakning and tiring the other, might both of them be forced to submit to that yoak the English designed to lay upon them.

[Year of our Lord 1358] That zeal the Prevost des Marchands had for the publique liberty, meeting with too great oppositions, degenerated (perhaps in despite of him) into a manifest and most pernicious faction. The mark or distinction was a kind of a Hood party-co∣lour'd, Red and Blue, which he bestow'd for New-years-Gifts upon the People of Pa∣ris. Who being divided and wavering in their Affections, applauded sometimes the Dauphin, who made Speeches in publique to them* 1.24 then straightway wheel'd about to their Magistrate, whom they judged to be honest in his designs, and anon they be∣came indifferent to either.

[Year of our Lord 1358] For the third time the Estates were called together at Paris, the Dauphin de∣signing to make himself Master of them, drew some Forces about the Town; the Navarrois had some likewise who kept the Field. This troublesome neighbourhood did greatly incommode the City of Paris and all that lay neer it; Marcel cast the fault upon the Dauphin, and he discharged himself and laid it on the Navarrois.

Upon this brangle a Partisan of Marcels, named Perrin Macé, a Changer belonging to the Treasury, Massacred John Baillet Treasurer of France, and the Deed being done, retired into the Church St. James de la Boucherie. The Dauphin commanded the Mareschal de Clermont, John de Chaalons, Seneschal of Champagne, and the Prevost of Paris, to drag him thence by force and put him into the hands of Justice. They haled him out, and the Prevost of Paris caused his Hand to be cut off, and sent him to the Gibbet.

The Churches were then inviolable Sanctuaries, the Clergy and People grew into heats, because they had pluck'd a Criminal from the feet of the Altar; and the Bi∣shop of Paris Excommunicated those that had committed this attempt. After this, Marcel having armed Three thousand Trades-men, who all wore those party-colour'd Hoods, entred into the Palace where the Dauphin Lodged, and caused those three Lords to be murther'd in his presence. This was not all, he compell'd him to own the Fact in an Assembly of the Estates, which was held at the Augustins, and in Par∣liament; to suffer the Navarrois to return to the City; and to give him Lands and great satisfaction for damages; notwithstanding the other Cities refused to joyn with Paris in any thing, otherwise then for the Kings service.

[Year of our Lord 1358] After the Navarrois had remained for some time in Paris, and thought he had well secur'd himself of them; going forth again to give some Order, touching his Affairs; he was no sooner out of Town, when the Dauphin, to lose no time, caused himself to be declared Regent by the Parliament. After that, all Acts were passed in his name, without any mention of the Kings; the little Seal du Chastelet which they used in his absence was laid aside, and they had a great Seal made purposely for the Regency.

He would be no longer at the mercy of the Parisians nor the general Estates, he found it better to hold with particular ones; those of Champagne at Vertus,

and those of Picardy at Compiegne, consented to some Contributions. The Parisians offended that they were despised, endeavoured to seize upon the Posts about their City; not being able to effect it, they proceeded to enclose it with Walls from that part where the Bastille is, even to the Wooden Tower near the Louvre, filled up all their Gates towards the University, excepting that called St. James's, and from that Gate to that de Nesle, caused Ditches to be made before the Walls; for till this time they had not any.

[Year of our Lord 1358] During this Anarchy, the Nobility and other Men of the Sword, exercised all man∣ner of violence upon the poor Countrey people. Those unfortunate wretches beaten, plundred, hunted like savage Beasts, having for the most part no other places of re∣treat, but Woods, Caves, and Boggs, did like those hunted Beasts, who being at the last gasp, fly at the Greyhounds throats; they muster'd together in great com∣panies, and were resolv'd to destroy all the Gentry.

This fury was begun in Beauvoisis, and for their chief Leader they took one na∣med Caillet a Peasant. They called it La Jacquerie, because the Gentlemen when they pillaged the Peasant, called him in raillery* 1.25 Jacques bon homme. Had the Ci∣tis joyned with these Rustiques, there had been an end of the Nobility and Mo∣narchique Government, as well as in Swisserland; but not one of them open'd their Gates for fear of being ransack'd; they attempted divers to no purpose, destroyed all the little Castles in the Countrey, amongst the rest that of Beaumont upon Oyse, and made themselves masters of Senlis: but besides all this, they committed so many more then brutish cruelties, that the Nobility of all parties, French, English, and Navarrois, rallied themselves unanimously against them. The King of Navarre de∣feated Caillets crew, who being taken was beheaded. The Dauphin cut off more then Twenty thousand, and so this insurrection was quashed on a suddain.

In the time the Dauphin was gone towards Senlis, having left the Earl of Foix in that part of the City of Meaux, named le Marche* 1.26; the Parisians who were much concerned to secure that Key of the Marne, sent out some Forces under the com∣mand of a Grocer to seize upon it. The Mayor of Meaux open'd the Gates to them; but as they were attacquing the* 1.27 Market, the Earl sallied out with Horse and Foot, and cut them all off. The Grocer was slain, the City sacaged and burnt, the Mayor and some of the Citizens beheaded.

[Year of our Lord 1358] Against his promise made to the Dauphin, the Navarrois drew near to Paris, and having conferr'd with Marcel at St. Ouin, entred the City, and harangued the Peo∣ple, who declared him their General: but the Nobility affronted to see him ca∣resse them less then he did the Citizens, forsook him, and in an Assembly which was held at Compiegne, promised the Dauphin all their assistance for the besieging of Paris. The Factious party having notice of it, engaged the University to go and beg their pardon of that Prince, offering such satisfaction as he pleased, saving their Lives and Honours; to which not condescending, unless they would deliver up to him Twelve of the principal Mutineers: they united themselves together again, as firmly as ever they possibly could, and stuck close to the King of Navarre.

[Year of our Lord 1358] The Dauphins friends having gotten some credit amongst the People of Paris, insi∣nuated a jealousie into their minds, for that the King of Navarre had brought some Eng∣lish thither; they massacred a great many of those strangers; Marcel to save the remain∣der, clapt them all in prison, then let them make their escapes: they retired to St. Denis, from whence teey cruelly revenged the deaths of their compagnons, upon all those of Paris that they could light upon. The People whatever the Navar∣rois could urge in his florid Speeches against it, forced both him and Marcel to lead them thither, that they might make a final end of them; but whether by the treachery of those two Commanders, or otherwise, the English drew them in∣to an Ambuscade, and slew above Six hundred of them in the night as they were returning home all in disorder.

[Year of our Lord 1358] This bloody check redoubled their suspicions, and the Peoples out-cries; Mar∣cel and his associates fearing to be at length deliver'd up to the Dauphin, conspi∣red to deliver up the City rather to the Navarrois, by letting him one night into the Bastille. But as the Dauphins friends had their Eyes and Ears in every cor∣ner, one John Maillard, and one Pepin des Essards who were the Chiefs, contri∣ved their business so well, that having got their friends together, just at the nick of time as Marcel was to put his plot in execution, they kill'd both him and all those that accompany'd him before he could get the Gates open.

[Year of our Lord 1358] His Corps were dragg'd thorough the Streets, and his death attended with the Massacre, the execution, and the banishment of many of his friends; amongst others, Ronsac the Sheriff, Josserand the King of Navarre's Treasurer, and Caillard who had delived up the Castle of the Louvre, all which lost their Heads in the place of Execution, called the Greeve. After this the face of Affairs was wholly changed, the party-colour'd Hoods were thrown into the Fire, and the Dauphin returned to Paris the Twenty fourth day of August.

[Year of our Lord 1358] But the Navarrois fretted beyond all patience for the death of his Friends and his Officers, protested he would never have peace with the Princes of the House of Valois, nor did he any longer own them for Sovereigns.

In this heat he got his Forces together from every quarter, sent to desie the Dauphin, block'd up Paris both by Land and Water, and called to his assistance the Captal de Buch, and Robert Knolles an English Captain.

This Man notwithstanding the Truce, made horrible depredations every where, particularly in Auxerrois, and in Champagne. Now having been forced away from before Troyes by the Count de Vaudemont, he came and joyned with the Navarrois, in hopes to plunder Paris. It was at this time they burnt the City of Montmorency, which was none of the least, as may be guess'd by its ru∣ines; while in the mean time, Philip de Navarre ran about Picardy, and made several attempts upon many Cities, which all miscarried. [Year of our Lord 1359]

The Dauphin durst not stir out of Paris, for fear they should recall the Na∣varrois, who had yet good store of friends remaining amongst them. In the mean time, as he could settle nothing in order in no part, all France was left ex∣posed to the plundrings of the licentious Soldiers, as well French as English. Now at the very hour that Paris was reduced to the extreamest want, and it was in the power of the Navarrois, and only depended upon him alone to give the mor∣tal blow to France, his heart was changed in a moment, without any apparent cause, but an extraordinary favour of Heaven towards this Kingdom. Insomuch as he made his agreement with the Dauphin, and referr'd almost all his preten∣sions to his own free Will, in despite of all the arguments and oppositions of his Brother, who quitted him and retired to the English at Saint Sauveur le Vicomte.

[Year of our Lord 1359] This Peace saved the City of Paris, but did not ease the neighbouring Pro∣vinces;* 1.28 * for those Garrisonn'd places that had held for the King of Navarre, de∣clared for the English, that they might still have opportunities to plunder. The Lord Auberticour a Hennuger, ravaged Champagne, by means of certain Castles he held upon the Marne, and the Seine: Broquard de Fennestranges a Knight of Lorrain, drawn into the Service of France, with Five hundred adventurers, whom he had under his Pay, delivered the Countrey of him, having defeated and taken him prisoner in a great Fight near Nogent, upon the River Seine: but himself be∣came a more severe scourge, burning and laying all waste, till the Dauphin could give him the Arrears due to his Soldiers.

During all these Wars with the English, until Charles VIII. had driven them out of France, there were many of these Captains, whereof some paid their Men out of their own pockets, and then hired them out to those that would bid most; and others maintained theirs with the plunder they took indifferent∣ly on either side. These last were called Robbers; those that Commanded them were meer Soldiers of Fortune; when they were snapt they found no quarter.

[Year of our Lord 1359] There were Propositions of Peace perpetually on foot between the two Crowns▪ King John, though he had all manner of liberty, even for Hunting, and all pastimes and gallantries, was very weary of his imprisonment; nevertheless he referr'd those conditions the English propounded for his Release, to the Estates of his Kingdom. They being assembled at Paris for this purpose (it was in the Month of May) found them so hard, that all with one voice chose rather to have War, and offer'd very great sums to carry it on; but these could not be levied so soon.

The King of England netled with their Reply, raised a formidable Army, there were Eleven hundred Vessels, and near an hundred thousand fighting Men, landed at Calais with his four Sons, who began to march, although the Season was very far spent. They let him keep the Field at his own pleasure; the Towns were so

well provided that he could not take one, neither St. Omers, nor Amiens, nor Reims, where he thought to have been Crowned King of France, nor Chaalons. Burgundy redeemed themselves from plundering for Two hundred thousand Florins, and some Provisions for his Camp. Nivernois compounded likewise, Brie and Gastinois were ransacked.

About the latter end of Lent he came and encamped within Seven Leagues of Pa∣ris, between Chartres and Montlehery; and finding they made no one step towards the satisfying his demands, he plants himself just before the City Gates, with de∣sign to oblige the French to Speak or to Fight.

[Year of our Lord 1360] After he had tarry'd there some time, without being able to gain either the one or the other, he turns back towards Beauss, resolved to refresh his Men along the River Loire, and in case of misfortune, retreat into Bretagne.

Cardinal Simon de Langres the Popes Legat, and the Dauphins Deputies always follow'd his Camp, and sollicited him eternally for a Peace. One day he being en∣camped in the Chartrain Countrey, there arose a dreadful Storm, with so much Lightning and Thunder, and such a shower of great Hail, that it grievously maim'd a great many of his Men, and killed above a thousand of his Horses. He took this prodigy as a warning and command from Heaven; and turning himself to∣wards our Lady's Church of Chartres, which was to be seen about five or six Leagues off, made a promise before the Almighty of concluding the Peace; be∣sides, the Duke of Lancaster, with other English Lords, pressed him earnestly, because his Army was much shatter'd, and he had brought over almost all the force of England.

[Year of our Lord 1360] The Deputies on either part met the First of May, at the village called Bro∣tigny, within a mile of Chartres. In this place, Treating in the name of the two Kings eldest Sons; they concluded upon all the Articles in eight days time.

On the one side they gave the English King, besides what he had already, all Poitou, Saintongne, Rochel, and the Countrey of Aulnis, Angoumois, Perigord, Li∣mosin, Quercy, Agenois, and la Bigorre in full Sovereigaty, besides Calais, the Coun∣ties of Oye, Guisnes, and Pontieu; and three Millions in Gold for the Ransom, payable at three several Terms, of King John; who should be brought to Calais, and set at liberty after the restitution of those places force-mentioned, and upon giving up as Hostages his Three youngest Sons, his Brother Philip, and other Princes of the Blood; and besides all these, Thirty more, as well Earls as Illu∣strious Knights, and two Deputies of each of the Nineteen Cities, whose Names were expresly mention'd. On the other hand the King of England renounced the Title of King of France, and generally all his other pretensions.

[Year of our Lord 1360] And till the two Kings could ratify the Treaty, a Truce was agreed upon for a year. In the Month of July King John was brought over to Calais, where he was immediately visited by his Children, and staid there till the Five and Twen∣tieth of October, when King Edward coming thither, both of them swore to the agreement of Peace very solemnly.

That between the King of England and the Earl of Flanders, and another be∣tween the King of Navarre and King John, were made up in the same place, and [Year of our Lord 1360] this last sworn by the two Philips, Brothers of those two Kings; the Treaties were confirmed by the Holy Father, under the penalty of Ecclesiastical censures, against those as should first contravene.

King John being freed from Captivity the Four and twentieth of October, which he had now undergone four years and one Month, went to give Thanks to God at the Church of St. Denis in France. There he received the King of Navarre into Favour, who came and Saluted him. The Thirteenth of December he made his entrance into Paris, and the City testified their joy by a Present of Plate of a Thou∣sand Marks.

[Year of our Lord 1361] The extream necessity he was in for Money to pay his Ransom, made his gene∣rous courage stoop to a weakness, judged to be more prejudicial to the Honour of the Noble House of France, then even the Treaty of Britigny it self; which was the selling his Daughter to John Viscount of Milan, for Six hundred thousand Gold Crowns in Marriage with his Son Galeas.

Although the Crown of France and its Sovereignty came to the Eldest wholly, and was not to be divided amongst the younger Brothers; yet they assigned a share

of Lands to them, which was entirely theirs, which descended to the Daughters as well as to the Sons, and which they might dispose of as properly their own. Now the King to keep the Body of his Kingdom in more strength, and not suffer his great Provinces hereafter to be as it were dismembred by such partage, or by any Treaty, united inseparably to the Crown, the Dutchy's of Normandy and Bur∣gundy, [Year of our Lord 1361] and the Earldoms of Toulouze and Champagne, by Writings made at the Ca∣stle of the Louvre in the Month of November, in the year 1361.

[Year of our Lord 1361] In the foregoing Easter Holy-days, Death had snatched away the young Philip Duke of Burgundy, and in him extinguished the first Branch of those Dukes, which had produced Twelve, and lasted 330 years. He left no Children, Margaret of Flan∣ders his Wife, being as yet but Eleven years of age, and he but Fifteen. He was Grandson of Duke Eudes IV. and Son of that Philip who was slain at the Siege of Aiguillon; and of Jane of Boulogne, who for Second Husband married King John, and died the last year.

[Year of our Lord 1361] The Lands belonging to this Prince which came by his Mother, returned to the Heirs of that Line, which were the County of Artois and the Franche Comte, to Mar∣garet, Daughter of Philip the Long, and the Countess Mahaut, and Wife of Robert Earl of Flanders, by consequence, Grandfather of the Wife this young Duke Poi∣lip had Married. Boulongne and Auvergne went to the House of Boulongne: as for the Duthcy of Burgundy, the Navarrois challeng'd it, as being the Son of Jane, Daughter of Queen Margaret, who was the Wife of King Lewis Hutin, and eldest Daughter of Duke Robert, Father of Eudes IV. Duke of Burgundy: but the King laid his hand upon it, as being, said he, nearer of kindred by one degree, being Son of the Second Daughter of Duke Robert, whereas the King of Navarre was but Grand∣son of the eldest.

Some will say that he did not understand his Rights well, and that he should have reaped this Dutchy as he was Sovereign, and have maintain'd that Burgundy was a Masculine Fief, which reverted to him for want of Heirs-Males.

[Year of our Lord 1361] The Soldiers of all the parties did not evacuate the places without a great deal of trouble, and committed the same depredations and Robberies as during the War. The Gascons and the Bretons rambled all over Anjou, Poitou, and Tourain for pillage and plunder, and those Bands that were named the Tard-Venus, or Late-Comers, led by some Gascons; having in the same manner treated Champagne, Bur∣gundy, Masconnis and Lyonnois, in a Battle at Brignais near Lyons, defeated James de Bourbon Count de la Marche, whom the King had given Orders to chastise them for their Thefts: after that they divided themselves into two parties, whereof one was hired for Money to go into Italy by the Marquis de Montferrat, who was in War with the Viscounts of Milan; the others fastned on Masconnois, and never let go their hold till they were fully gorged like blood-sucking Leeches.

[Year of our Lord 1361. and 62.] Those that levy'd the Taxes and Gabelles, tormented the People no whit less then the other Robbers. The burthen and grievance was so great, that infinite numbers of Families quitted France, and sought elsewhere for a more easie lively∣hood and subjection.

Such as did know how to secure themselves from all these miseries, did not know where to find an Asylum against the Pestilence, which for seven or eight years growing worse and worse upon divers returns, seized indifferently upon all sorts of People, both in City and Countreys. There fell by it this year nine Cardinals, and Seventy Prelats in the Popes Court, and above Thirty thousand People in Paris.

The Jews were recalled into France for the fifth time; another plague added to the Imposts, the Pestilence and Famine.

[Year of our Lord 1362] It was the Right, or to ••speak properly, a practise suffer'd time out of mind amongst the French, that they might make War one upon another for their parti∣cular quarrels: the King forbid it among all his Subjects, till all the enemies were quite out of the Kingdom. He afterwards added to this Order, a prohibition of all Duels, Challenges, &c. as well during the Peace as in time of War,

Notwithstanding his defence, he durst not take notice of the cruel War that was renew'd between the Earls de Foix and d'Armagnac, because he feared it might offend the King of England, to whom they were Vassals for those Lands in contest between them.

We had omitted to take notice before, how the difference for the Succession of Gaston de Bearn, had given birth to this bloody War between these two Houses. That Gaston who died Anno 1289. had by Mate* 1.29 Countess of Bigorre four Daughters,

Constance, who married William the Son of Richard of England, King of Germany, from whom there came no Children; Margaret who was the Wife of Roger Bernard Earl of Foix, Mate of Gerauld Count d'Armagnac, and of Fezenzac, and Guillemette of Don Pedro, Son of Don Pedro King of Arragon, and Brother to James II. That the first and the last left no Children behind them; that Gaston their Father, by his Te∣stament made them all sharers of the Lands he had in France, as well as those in Ca∣talonia; and that in case the first dyed without Children, he then gave Bearn to the Second, who was Countess of Foix.

Neither had we observed how Mate, Countess of Armagnac, finding her self wronged by this Testament, had refused to approve thereof. That in Anno 1294. Bernard her Son (for her Husband Geraud was dead) accused the Count de Foix of having falsified it, and called him to try it in Combat or Duel in the Court of King Philip the Fair. That by Decree of Parliament, in the year 1295. the two par∣ties were admitted to Combat in the City of Gisors: but when they were come in∣to the Field, the King caused them to be put out again, and annull'd the Duel, by taking upon him to let them know, That this private feud should surcease according to the Law, or Rights of the Kingdom, during the publique War between the French and the English; That the same King in the journey he made to Languedoc, Anno 1303. finding he could not bring the parties to an amicable composition, made a Decree to settle and regulate their pretensions; to which Margaret Countess de Foix (her Hus∣band being deceased) would not obey. That the death of Guillemete, the youngest of the four Sisters, occasioned new debates; and that Philip King of Navarre en∣deavour'd to determine them, Anno 12••9. by a Sentence of Arbitration. But nothing could quench the irreconcileable animosities of these two Houses; nor prevent their seeking all opportunities to destroy each other, as they did this year 1362. and the following.

[Year of our Lord 1362] Whilst they were labouring, but not effectually enough to have the Garrisons va∣cated; King John took a fancy to go to Avignon and visit Pope Innocent, with design, as was believed, to endeavour a Marriage with Jane* 1.30 Queen of Naples, the second time a Widdow, defamed indeed for her ill life; but who would have brought him in Dower the Counties of Provence and Piedmont: being on his way, he heard of the death of Innocent, but he went forwards, and on the eighth day of October, assisted at the Coronation of William Grimouard, a Native of Montferrat, who was chosen out of the Sacred Colledge, being but a simple Abbot. They named him Ʋrban V.

Whilst he staid at Avignon, the Holy Father Preaching for a new adventure to the Holy Land, he accepted of the Command of Generalissimo in the Expedition. The two Kings Peter of Cyprus, and Woldemar III. of Denmark, took the badge of the Cross for the same purpose in the same place. But the affairs of France not su∣ting very well with this Enterprize, was so far from being put in execution, that it was not so much as approved of, or countenanc'd.

[Year of our Lord 1363] At his return he took possession of the Dutchy of Burgundy; but whilst he was yet in that Countrey, the Burgundians did so positively make him understand that they could not live without a Prince that was Resident amongst them, that he re∣voked and null'd the re-union he had made of this Dutchy to the Crown, and yield∣ed and bestowed it upon Philip his youngest Son, who had deserved the Name of Hardy at the Battle of Poitiers, To hold it for him and his Heirs begotten in lawful Marriage.

About the end of this year 1363. King John Embarqued at Boulogne, and went again into England: the occasion of his voyage, was not his love towards a Lady, with whom he had familiarity when he was formerly there: but upon notice that the Duke of Anjou his second Son, and one of his Hostages had escaped out of England, this generous King would repair the Honour of that young Prince, and demonstrate, [Year of our Lord 1364] that he had no hand in that juvenile act; as likewise to dispose, if it were possible. King Edward to the expedition of the Holy War.

Charles the Dauphin, Regent for the Second time.

[Year of our Lord 1364] HIs eldest Son to whom he had left the Regency, sound himself presently attaqued by his Cousin the King of Navarre, upon the pretensions he had to the Dutchy of Burgundy. This Prince having rashly sent him defiance before he had any Army ready to justify it, lost the Cities of Mantes and Meulan, which were taken by Ber∣trand du Gueselin, whose valour was already raised much above the common stan∣dard.

[Year of our Lord 1364] In England King John having had many Conferences with King Edward, when he hoped to have dispatched all his Affairs: was surprized about mid-March, with a distemper which ended his days the eighth of April. He died in the Savoy without the Walls of London, after he had lived Two and fifty years, and held the Scepter Thirteen years and eight Months, His Son the Duke of Berry, the Dukes Philip of Orleance, and Lewis II. of Bourbon, and John of Artois Earl of Eu, all Princes of the Blood heard his last Sighs, and closed his Eyes. The King of England made him a magnificent Funeral, worthy the grandeur of that King, and becoming his own ge∣nerosity. His Corps was brought back into France, and interred at St. Denis upon the seventh day of May.

He was esteemed to be the bravest, and the most liberal Prince of his time; but the same root which produced these virtues, did likewise bring forth Pride, and the scorn to follow any other Counsel but that of his own Brain, attended with pro∣digality, precipitation, and that violence which exposed his own Kingdom to pillage and plunder, and his own Person to the mercy of his enemies.

But we must not deny him two great advantages or perfections he had above other Princes, that he was frank and sincere, and did most inviolably keep his word: nor forget that heroick saying, attributed to him; That if Faith and Truth should be banished from all the rest of the world, yet they onght to be found in the mouths of Kings.

He married two Wives who were named Jane, the First, Daughter of John King of Bohemia, in Anno 1332. and the Second of William Earl of Boulongne, and Wi∣dow of Philip of Burgundy Earl of Artois, in Anno 1349. By the First he had four Sons and four Daughters; the four Sons were Charles, who succeeded to the Crown; Lewis Duke of Anjou, and Earl of Mayne; John Duke of Berry and Auvergne, and Earl of Poitou; Philip first Duke of Touraine, then of Burgundy. The Daughters were named Mary, Jane, Isabel, Margaret: the first married Robert, eldest Son of Henry Duke of Bar, the second Charles the Bad, King of Navarre; the third John Galeaz Viscount, First Duke of Milan; the fourth devoted her self to JESUS CHRIST in the Monastery of Poissy. By his Second Wife he had two Daughters that attained not to the ripeness of Marriage.

Charles V. called the VVise, and the Eloquent, King of France, LI.

Aged about XXVI years.

POPES,

• URBAN V. Seven years Four Months under this Reign.
• GREGORY XI. Elected the Thirtieth of December 1370. S. Seven years three Months.
• Schisme.
• URBAN VI. Elected the Eighth of April, in the year 1378. S. at Rome II. years, six Months, six Days, whereof two years and above five Months under this Reign.
• And
• CLEMENT VII. Elected the Twenty first of September, S. in Avignon, Twenty six years, where∣of Two years under this Reign.

* 1.31 THe prosperous Conduct of this King is the noblest proof we meet with thoroughout all the History of France; that the weightiest Affairs are managed better by skill and judgment then by sorce, and that success in [Year of our Lord 1364] Battle is oftner the effect of the judicious Orders and Contrivances in the Closet, then the valour of those that sight them.

[Year of our Lord 1364] His Coronation was performed at Reims the Nineteenth of May. It is to be ob∣served that Wenceslaus of Luxemburgh Duke of Brabant his maternal Uncle, John Duke of Lorrain, and Robert Duke of Bar, though Strangers and Vassals of the Em∣pire, did the Office of Pairs there, the First representing the Duke of Normandy, the Second the Earl of Champagne, the Third the Earl of Toulouze. The Duke of Burgundy and the Earl of Flanders held their natural places, and Lewis Duke of Anjou, that of the Duke of Guyenne.

They had just reason to say, that never King armed himself so little, and yet did so many brave exploits in War as this same; It seemed as is Wisdom had tyed Fortune to his Service. From the beginning he made it appear that the French could beat the English, who had always beaten them in the preceding Reigns. The Navarrois and Montfort not having been comprehended in the Trea∣ty of Bretigny, their people continued the War, and the English Forces and the French took part with them. John de Grailly Captal de Buchs, who was come to the aid of the Navarrois, took the Command of all their Forces. The French Officers being met to Fight him, found him near the place called Cocherel, and de la Croix St. Leufroy, between Evreux and Vernon. Bertrand de Gueselin, on whom he had conferr'd the Command, upon refusal of the young Count d'Auxerre, be∣haved himself so well with his companions, that Captals Men were beaten out of their advantageous Post, and he taken prisoner. The King thinking to get him on his side, released him a while after: but he was rather desirous to retaliate his defeat then that obligation.

[Year of our Lord 1364] During these Occurrences, Philip of Navarre hapning to dye, Lewis his young Brother got the Forces of that Party together, and fell upon Bourbonnois, and the lower Auvergne, where he rifled several Castles. Nay, some of his Men surprized la Charite upon the Loire, a place very important for the passage it gave; from thence he made a cruel War upon the Countries on this side, whilst on the other hand the Count Montbeliard was fallen upon Burgundy, to serve the House of Navarre, who pretended that Dutchy appertained to them. But Philip of France, to whom King Charles had confirmed the Grant, was order'd to go and defend his Country, and to quit la Beausse, from whence he had resolved to expel the Robbers, and had already cleared four or five small Castles by turning them out of their Kennels.

He carried the War therefore into Montbeliard, and compell'd the Earl to go out of Burgundy. Then laid his Siege before la Charite. Lewis d'Evreux not finding himself strong enough to make him raise it, retreated with his Forces to Cherbourgh in Normandy. The Besieged surrendred upon Composition; which the Duke agreed to by the Kings order, that he might be able to send help to Charles de Blois his Cousin, who was engaged with John de Montfort for the Dutchy of Bretagne.

[Year of our Lord 1394] The Battle d'Auvray decided the Controversy between these Contenders. John de Montfort had besieged that place with the assistance of the English led by John Chandois, that Kings Lieutenant in Guyenne; Charles de Blois undertakes to relieve it, back'd by the French Forces commanded by the Count d'Auxerre, and Bertrand du Gueselin. The Armies came to an engagement the Nine and twentieth of Sep∣tember, the Feast-day of St. Michael. The Fight was obstinate and bloody to ex∣tremity, in the conclusion Charles lost the day, the Dutchy and his Life. For the Lords of Bretagne had agreed amongst themselves, that to put a period to that tedious Quarrel, they would certainly kill that Chief of the two that was van∣quished.

[Year of our Lord 1364] The Children of Charles de Blois were still Prisonners in England, and his Widow had more of Pride then Wisdom and good Conduct. The Duke of Anjou her Son-in-Law would willingly have assisted her with all his power: but the Council of France did not think it fit to drive that business too far, least Montfort should turn Homager to the English. They therefore made a Peace with him by the Treaty at Guerrande. The Dutchy was left to him, upon condition of paying his Devoirs to the King of France. The Title of Dutchess to the Widow of Charles during her life; and for all her Posterity, the right of being restored upon want of Heirs descended from Montfort. Moreover she had the County of Pontieure and divers other Lands, with Forty thousand Livers of Rent, for her self alone, to be raised upon the whole Dutchy.

[Year of our Lord 1365]

Although the Holy War had been interrupted by the death of King John, ne∣vertheless Peter King of Cyprus, having collected some assistance of Moneys from the Christian Princes, and gathered up here and there some numbers of Adven∣turers, together with the Knights of St. John; went and landed in Egypt, where he valiantly forced a part of the great City of Alexandria, and might have brought it all under his power, if those that went with him, having more regard to their Plunder then their Honour, had not returned on board their Vessels with the Spoil.

[Year of our Lord 1365, and 66.]

With the like Valour and more Perseverance, Ame VI. Earl of Savoy carried his Forces against Amurat Sultan of the Turks and the King of Bulgaria, who would needs dispossess John Paleologus, his near Kinsman, of the Grecian Empire, the Bulgarian holding him already a Prisoner. Ame having taken the City of Ca∣lipolis in the Thracian Chersonese by Storm from the Turks, entred Bulgaria, and upon the taking of divers places, forced that King to release the Emperor; into whose hands he also put the City of Calipolis: but the Greeks lost it again immedi∣ately afterwards, so much was their Valour declined as well as their Empire.

The Emperor Charles IV. had much more fancy to design vast Undertakings, then Understanding or Means to put them in execution. He pleased himself with the empty pride and vain-glory of pompous Ceremonies, because he could not attain to those things that were truly real and solid; And as his small Revenues and his great Expences still kept him in a necessitous Condition, when he began any [Year of our Lord 1365] considerable Enterprize it was but only with intent to have Money given him. This year 1365. he visited the Pope in Avignon to make a League with the Holy Father and the other Princes of Italy, against Barnaby Viscount of Milan. He was at Mass Celebrated by the Pope himself on the day of Pentecost in his Imperial Habit, and

then went and was Crowned King of Arles in the City of the same name. Then returned again to Avignon, where he obtained permission of the Pope to levy the Tenths upon all the Clergy of Germany and Bohemia for the Expences of that War, which he never made.

[Year of our Lord 1365] Gueselin, who had been taken at the Battle of Auvray, was set free upon Ransom, and Oliver de Clisson, who was of Montforts Party, allured to the Kings service. In the Month of December Montfort came to Paris and did Homage, first for his Dutchy, but only by word of Mouth and without any Oath, then for the County of Mont∣fort, ungirt, and on his Knees, and both his hands joyned together between the hands of the King his Soveraign Lord.

This year we met again with some Troops of those revolted Peasants of the Ja∣querie, [Year of our Lord 1365] who being re-inforc'd and joyned with some Companies of Plunderers, went even into Alsatia, from whence they were hunted out, and most of them destroy'd by the Emperor Charles IV. and the other Princes of Germany.

The Forces belonging to the Navarrois continued their Incursions in Normandy, [Year of our Lord 1365] it was believed they might be drawn from thence by a Diversion towards Navarre; A League was therefore made with the King of Arragon his Capital Enemy, who immediately fell with an Army into that Kingdom. The Navarrois had the more apprehension, because he knew that France was necessarily obliged to joyn with that Prince, the King of England having made a League with Peter King of Castille, an Eternal Enemy to the Arragonians. Wherefore Captal de Buch and the rest of his Friends applied themselves with so much zeal, that they made his peace with the King. By this Treaty he renounced all his rights to Champagne and to Burgundy, upon condition he should have the Lordship of Montpellier in Languedoc, which was given him.

The Habits of Men of Quality, and honest People dwelling in Cities, was a long Gown, and a Hood almost of the same fashion as the Monks; sometimes they threw these back upon their Shoulders, and made use of a Cap or Bonnet for their Heads. Now luxury and folly had shortned their long Robe so much, that their Thighs and the whole motions of their Bodies from their Reins, was plainly [Year of our Lord 1365] seen. They had likewise brought in use a certain sort of Shoes, the Toes whereof were turned up with a long neck, (they named them Poulenes) and at their Heels a kind of Spurs. The King by his Edicts banished these ridiculous Modes after the example of his Holiness, who but a while before had by his Bulls condemned the dissoluteness of Apparel both in the one and the other Sex.

France could not rid her self of those droves of Robbers that knawed her to the [Year of our Lord 1365] very bones. The English tolerated them that they might have their help upon oc∣casion, and there were not Forces enough besides to suppress them; Gueselin found out a way to carry them all off into Spain upon this occasion.

Alphonso XI. King of Castille had had by his lawful Wife a Son named Peter, who succeeded him, and by a Mistress five Natural Sons, the eldest of whom was called Henry, and was Earl of Tristemare. This Peter was rightly surnamed the Cruel, and the Wicked, for he shewed himself more a friend to the Alcoran then to the Gospel, having alliance and amity with the Moorish Kings. He overturned all the Laws, and committed all the Injustice and Cruelties that Tyrants can commit: He lived in publick Adultery with Mary de Padilla, and had in Anno 1361. caused his Wife Blanch to be poyson'd, who was Daughter to Peter Duke of Bourbon, and Sister to the Queen of France, a Princess as vertuous as fair, after she had endured all the outrages imaginable for ten years together. He put the Lady to death that had been his Fathers Mistress, and shed the blood of the greatest in his Kingdom almost every day, nor did he spare his own Brothers, having Murthered Frederic one of the five, who was Grand Master of St. James, and often attempted against the lives of the other four. Henry being there••ore prompted by a just Resentment for the death of his Brother and his Mother, and besides authoriz'd by the Law of Na∣ture, which allowed him to defend his life, rose up against him with the greatest part of the Nation, Leagued himself with the Arragonian, and made War upon him for some time.

[Year of our Lord 1365] His Cause in the beginning had not so much success as justice, he was overmatch'd and worsted by the Tyrant, and took shelter in France. The King gave him pro∣tection the more willingly, because it offer'd a fair occasion to employ his Soldiery.

It was thought fit for the better countenance of it, to let John de Bourbon Count de la Marche Cousin German to the late Queen Blanch, have the chief Command in ap∣pearance: but for their true Conductor Bertrand du Gueselin who was delivered out of the hands of Chandois, the Pope, the King, and Don Henry having paid down his Ransom.

[Year of our Lord 1366] With these Forces and great numbers of the Nobility Volunteers, even out of those Countries under the obedience of the English, the Count de la Marche and Gueselin carried Henry back into Spain. The Pope, fearing this Army might approach near Avignon, sent them Two hundred thousand Livers with Indulgences. The King of Arragon gave them passage, and the Dutchy of Borgiae to Gueselin; and before they entred upon Castille, they regained all those places Peter had taken from him, and put them honestly again into his hands.

Upon the arrival and sight of Henry, all the Nobles of Castille, excepting one single Knight, abandoned the Tyrant; They all cry'd out, Long live King Henry, and open'd their Gates to him; in a word, he was Crowned at Burgos about the end of March. That done, he liberally rewarded with Estates in Lands all such as had fol∣low'd him, and thinking himself secure upon the Tyrants flight, he discharged the most part of his Forces, who would have lain too heavy on his new Subjects, re∣serving only Fifteen hundred Lances with Gueselin and Bernard Bastard of the Count de Foix.

[Year of our Lord 1366] The Tyrant made his escape first towards Portugal: but the King of that Coun∣try having refused to allow him any retreat there, he got into Galicia, and from thence by Sea to Bayonne to implore the assistance of the Prince of Wales. The jealousie that Prince had for the fame of du Gueselin, made him give an ear to his supplica∣tions, he promised to restore him, and to act Personnally in the Employment. To this end he retains the Gascon Lords, and the same Companies that had served du Gueselin, who were disbanded by Henry: but the Arragonian keeping the passages shut and well guarded, they could not get to him but with a great deal of difficulty.

[Year of our Lord 1367] There was no other way but by Navarre; King Charles the Bad having made a League with either Party, found himself perplexed; In the end he leans towards the Tyrant, and gives him passage, and three hundred Lances. Whilst he was wavering betwixt both Parties, and endeavoured to delude them both, he was made Prisoner by Oliver de Mauny who held the Castle of Borgia upon that Frontier. It was ima∣gin'd he had contriv'd it so himself, to keep his Faith with Henry: but Oliver treated him as a real Prisoner, and got a good Ransom from him.

When Henry knew that his Enemies had taken the City of Navarrette, he came to meet them, and instead of stopping their passage and hindring their having Provi∣sions brought to them, which he might easily have done, being above three times more numerous then they: he gave them Battle. This was the Fourth of April between Nagera and Navarrette: but he lost it through the Cowardize of his Bro∣ther Teilo, who betook himself to flight upon the first Charge. Gueselin was made Prisoner with the Mareschal d'Endreghen and some other Captains. As for him, having fought very valiantly, and not giving over till the very last extremity, he then escaped into Arragon, then came to France, where he was received by Lewis Duke of Anjou Governor for the King in Languedoc.

[Year of our Lord 1367, and 68.] The Prince of Wales gained mighty reputation amongst the Sons of Mars, for having Re-conquer'd Spain in one single Battle: but little Honour amongst the better sort, for having restor'd a Tyrant, and yet much less satisfaction or profit; For after the Tyrant had held him some Months in Castille, upon the promise of quickly sending him wherewith to pay his Men, a Sickness got into his Army; and he was forc'd to return again very ill satissied, and withall very much indisposed in his Body.

[Year of our Lord 1368] After his departure the Tyrants rage redoubled by all sorts of terrible revenge. The Castillians finding they were treated more inhumanely then ever, recalled Henry: The Duke of Anjou and the Earl of Foix did frankly give him all the assistance they could; and du Gueselin and Bernard de Bearn newly set free upon Ransom raised Men for him.

In few words Henry besieged Toledo, the Tyrant attended with Three thousand Horse came to relieve it. When he was gotten near Montiel, a Village situate upon the Hills, which parts the Kingdom of Valentia from New Castille, Henry meets him, the Battle was fought the Fourteenth of March 1369. the Tyrants Forces ran away, [Year of our Lord 1369] and he saved himself in the Castle of Montiel.

There finding himself cooped up without any hopes of escaping, he adventures to come to Guesclin in his Tent, imagining by force of Presents to persuade him to let him slip away. Henry comes just at the same time thither, either by chance or otherwise, they fell to words, then laid hold upon each other, and tumbled on the ground. The Tyrant in the end was brought undermost and kill'd. The manner is not well agreed upon, nor whether it were done fairly: this hapned the Three and twentieth of March 1369. Thus the Kingdom of Castille remained to Henry and those descended from him, who hold it to this day.

The Widow of the Duke of Burgundy, Daughter of the Earl of Flanders, and the richest Heiress in Christendom, was earnestly Courted both by France and Eng∣land. The Father designed her ••or Edmond one of the King of Englands Sons: but the Grandmother Margaret, French both by Birth and Inclination, opposed that Match with all her power, and had a design to fortifie the House of France. She therefore pressed her Son with exceeding heat, even to the threatning to cut off her* 1.32 Breasts which had given him suck. This touched him to the heart, he bestowed his Daughter upon Philip the Hardy Duke of Burgundy: but the Nuptials were not com∣pleated till a year afterwards.

The Prince of Wales had brought nothing out of Spain but great Melancholy, a Mortal Indisposition, and no Money to pay off his Army. He therefore lays an un∣usual, but very small Impost upon Guyenne; The Lords his Vassals discontented with him, particularly the Lord d'Albret, advises the Tenants to make Complaint to them; Having received their Complaint, they carry it to the Prince, and made him some Remonstrances thereon. He rejects them in a very offensive manner. Whereupon they had recourse to the King of France, lately their lawful Soveraign: The King en∣tertains them five or six Months in the same disposition and humour, waiting a proper juncture to declare his mind.

He was in the mean time putting every thing in order to that purpose, making sure of the Gascon Lords and German Princes with his Money, whereof either of them were very greedy, drew the Soldiery to his service with the same Bait, by the help of Guesclin, in whom they reposed great Confidence, and made up a Stock of Money by the imposition of Subsidies, which the Estates assembled at Paris did freely grant him, and which they raised with so much order and evenness, that the People were not at all oppress'd.

[Year of our Lord 1369] When he had warily taken all his Measures, and knew withal that the Prince of Wales grew daily more Hydropick, he granted his Letters of Appeal to the Gascons, the five principal of them being the Sire d'Albert, and the Earls of Armagnac, Peri∣gard, Cominges, and Carmaing. This was signified to the Prince personally by a Knight and a Clerk: but far from consenting to this Appeal, he haughtily reply'd, That he would make his appearance in the same manner as he had done at the Battle of Poitiers, and caused them to be taken upon their way back and kept Prisoners, charging them with the having rob'd their Host.

[Year of our Lord 1369] At the same time Charles amused King Edward with some Complaints which he sent to him, as if he would have brought things to a Negotiation. The King of England returned words for words, not thinking the effects were so near, or that the French durst undertake any thing whilst the Duke of Berry and the other Hostages were in England.

He thought himself absolute Soveraign in Guyenne by the Treaty of Bretigny: but as on his side he had not disbanded the Soldiers, and moreover had committed divers Hostilities, the King pretended that Treaty was nul and dissolved, and that therefore that Prince remained still a Vassal to the Crown. Upon this foot it was that he sent to declare a War against him; and afterwards his Parliament being assembled upon the Ascension-Eve, he sitting in his Seat of Justice, made a Decree, by which for Rebellion, Contempt and Disobedience they declared forfeit and confiscated all those Lands the King of England held in France.

If Edwards astonishment were great to sind a Prince who was not a Man of his hands, thus dare denounce War against him who had won so many Battles: his displeasure was no less when he saw this Defiance brought him not by a Person of Quality, as the custom was, but by a simple Valet or Servant; When he understood that the Lord de Chastillon, and the Count de Saint Pol had seized upon Abbeville and the rest of the places in the County of Pontieu, which were unprovided; That the Barons of Gas∣congue, even before the declaration of War, had defeated his Seneschal of Rovergne; That the Dukes of Berry and Anjou had attaqued Guyenne, one towards Auvergne, the other towards Toulouze; That his Son the Prince of Wales being swoln every day

more and more, could not act but by his Council; and that several Captains and Companies took Service under the French.

In the interim, till he could raise greater Forces, he sent him Five hundred Lances, and One thousand Cross-bow-men under the Command of Edmond Earl of Cam∣bridge, afterwards Duke of York, his fourth Son, and the Earl of Pembrook his Son-in-Law, who went on shoar at St. Malo's, and cross'd over Bretagne; on the other hand Hue de Caurelee brought him Two thousand Men of those he had in Spain, and then came about twice as many from such as held places in Normandy and Mayne, which they sold to go and joyn with him. The four bravest Captains he had about him were the above-named Caurelee, Eustace d'Auberticour a Hennuyer, John Chandois Se∣neschal* 1.33 of Poitou, Thomas Piercy Seneschal of Rochel, and Robert Knolles, all English. To the last of these four he gave the Command of his Forces.

To the force of Arms the Wise King joyned the power of Religion and Eloquence, which can do all things on the hearts of the People. He ordered Fasts and Pro∣cessions to be made over all his Kingdom, and sometimes he went himself bare∣footed with the rest; When at the same time the Preachers made out his Right and Title, with the justice of his Cause, and the injustice of the English. Which had two ends; the one to bring back again those French Provinces which had been yielded by the Treaty of Bretigny; the other to make those that were under him willing to suffer the Contributions and all other inconveniencies of War. The Archbishop of Toulouze alone, by his Persuasions and Intrigues, regained above fifty Cities or Castles in Guyenne, amongst others that of Cabors. The King of England would have practised the same methods on his part, and sent an Amnesty or general Pardon to the Gascons, with an Oath upon the Sacred Body of Jesus Christ, to raise no more new Imposts; but all this could not reclaim those minds that had bent themselves another way.

Divers incursions were made by the French into Guyenne and Poitou, and by the English into the Neighbouring Countries, and in one of them these last took Isa∣bella de Valois the Widow Dutchess of Bourbon, and Mother to the Queen of France, at her Castle of Bellepeche in Bourbonnois. She was afterwards exchanged for the Prince of Wales his Knight.

The Earls of Cambridge and Pembrook marched even to Anjou, and there took the strong Castle de la Roche-sur-Yon, from whence they scowred all the Country; as they likewise did that of Berry, having gained the City of St. Severe, which is situate in Limosin upon that Frontier. But on their side they suffer'd more loss by far then all this came to, the most considerable being that of Chandois, who was unfortunately slain in a Rencounter near the Bridge of Lensac in Poitou.

Besides the ordinary Troops which they called Companies, the Lords and Gentle∣men often came together, and of their own accord drew themselves into a Body for some great Enterprize, or else to make Incursion; then after such a Riding * 1.34, so they then called it, they returned back to their own homes again.

King Charles had undertaken to raise an Army that should land some Forces in England, his Brother Philip was to Command it, and they were to take Shipping at Harsleur. When he was ready to go on board the Vessels, the news was brought him, that John Duke of Lancaster, King Edwards third Son, was landed at Calais, and made inroads upon the French Country. He was advised to quit his design, and turn his force that way. Lancaster seeing him in the Field, posted himself upon the Hill de Tournehan, between Ardres and Guisnes. Philip encamps right against him, as either to attaque or surround him, but before he had been long there, grew weary, and disbanded his Men. Thus Lancaster had leisure and opportunity to over-run the Country of Caux, even to Harfleur, and at his return the Country of Pontieu; where he took Prisoner Hugh de Chastillon, Master of the Cross-bow-men, who had seized upon that Country in the name of the King.

At the same time the Dukes of Guelders and Juliers, moved by the Charms of English Sterling Coyn, sent to defie the King, who soon set up the Duke of Brabant and the Count de Saint Pol to coap with them, as taking fire upon some particular Interest.

There hapned a furious Battle between both Parties at Baeswilder, betwixt the Rhine and the Meuse, which brought those Princes very low; On the one side the Duke of Juliers was slain, on the other the Duke of Brabant was taken Prisoner. The Emperor his Brother released him, and made up the Quarrel.

[Year of our Lord 1369] The Estates being Assembled the Seventh of December, granted to the King an Imposition of a Sol or Penny per Liver upon Salt, of four Livers upon every Chim∣ney in the Cities, and thirty Sols in the Country: as likewise upon the sale of Wine in the Country, the 13th in Gross, and the 4th upon Retail, and upon entry at Paris, fifteen Sols for every Pipe of French Wine, and twenty four per Pipe for Burgundy Wine: To which the Cities joyfully consented, as knowing these Levies would be well managed, and cease again with the War.

[Year of our Lord 1369] The same year 1369. Hugh Aubriot, Prevost des Merchands, caused the Towers of the Bastille to be built near the Gate St. Antoine, the same as we find them at this day.

[Year of our Lord 1370] The first years War had not produced any very considerable event: the two Kings prepared themselves with all their might to perform greater matters the se∣cond. All the four Brothers of France having held Counsel together, resolved that the Duke of Anjou, and the Duke of Berry should attaque Guyenne, that the former should enter about Toulouze, in that part that lieth betwixt the two Seas, the other about Berry in Limosin, and that they should both joyn at Limeges to besiege the Prince of Wales there.

[Year of our Lord 1370] To this effect they thought fit to recal du Guesclin out of Spain, where King Henry had bestow'd upon him the Earldom of Molines and the Lands of Soria * 1.35. He came upon the Kings first commands, and having joyned the Duke of Anjou, took, as he was upon his march, the Towns of Moissac, Tonneins, Aiguillon, and other Castles less considerable along the Garonne. On his part the Duke of Berry made himself Master of Limoges, more by his Intelligence with the Citizens, and the Bishop, who betrayed the Prince of Wales, though his Gossip and very good Friend, then by his Sword. After this the two Brothers, knowing that the Prince, too Politick to suffer himself to be cooped up, had taken the Field, discharged their Soldiers.

[Year of our Lord 1370] The King of England on his part had sent the Duke of Lancaster with some Com∣panies of Men at Arms, and Archers into Guyenne, and given the Command of all his Army about Picardy to Robert Knolls. It consisted of above Thirty thousand Men. His march struck a terror through all France, even to the Loire; for they sacaged Vermandois, Champagne, and la Brie, burnt all round about Paris, made the sound of their Trumpets eccho in the very Gates of the Louvre, while neither the smoak of those Incendiaries, nor the noise of their Martial Musick could move the wise King to hazard any thing, nor let one Soldier go out to the Enemy.

[Year of our Lord 1370] Du Guesclin was almost the only Man who was capable of revenging him for all these Affronts: to this end the second day of October, he puts the Sword of High [Year of our Lord 1370] Constable into his hands, which Moreau de Fiennes, too much broken with age and toil, could bear no longer, but gave him few Soldiers, that he might only observe the Enemy, and not fight them. Du Guesclin, who had another aim, encreased the numbers at his own expence, having sold all his Jewels and rich Household Furni∣ture he had gotten in Spain, to buy up more Soldiers.

After he had followed and annoyed the Enemy for some time, he had an opportu∣nity to be t up one of their Quarters near the Pont Valain in the Country of Mayne. By this means, having broke the ice, he put them to a rout, then defeated them piece after piece, till even Knolles himself had much ado to escape.

[Year of our Lord 1371] From thence he turned up into Berry, and drove out the English, who fled into Poitou, cleared Touraine and Anjou, and did the like in Limosin and in Rovergne.

[Year of our Lord 1371] He also rendred a most important piece of Service to France, having brought the King of Navarre to an Enterview with King Charles. In the present posture of Af∣fairs that Prince might have done a great deal of mischief, by introducing the English into Constentin, where he held Cherbourgh with some other places, and into the County of Evreux, which was all his own. But he being as irresolute as malicious, he neither knew how to keep his Faith, nor break it to his own advantage. Though he had made a Truce the preceding year, he still deferr'd the concluding of the Peace by his Artifice. In fine, he suffers himself to be led to it when he had least need, and was contented with the City of M••ntpellier, which was put into his pos∣session. Upon which Consideration he renounced the English Interest, at that time when it would have been more advantage not to do it.

[Year of our Lord 1371]

In the year 1367. Pope Ʋrban V. had made a Voyage to Rome, in appearance to give some Orders for the Affairs of Italy, but indeed out of anger, for that the Army going into Spain had oppressed and extorted a great deal from him. After he had staid there two years and an half, he returned to Avignon, where in short time he died, the 19th of December. The Cardinals placed in the Holy Chair Peter Roger, who was Son to William Earl of Beaufort in Valee, and Jane Sister of Pope Clement VI.

In the Month of May of this same year, David King of Scotland, Son of Robert Bruce, died without Children. Thus that Crown passed into the House of the* 1.36 Stewarts, by one Robert, who was his Sisters Son. He ratifi'd the Truce with the English, and prolonged it for thirteen years.

The Maritine Cities of Flanders being all filled with Merchants, had no other Interest to mind but Trade: Wherefore neither considering that of their Earl, nor [Year of our Lord 1371] the Kings, they made a League with the English, thereby to secure their Commerce, which appeared more advantageous from that side, then from the French.

Within a while, after the new Constable had re-conquer'd Perigord, and Limosin from the English, the Prince of Wales, though he could not stir but in a Litter, draws his Men together at Cognac, and went to besiege Limoges. His Hurons* 1.37 or Miners, of which he had great numbers, having thrown down a great part of the Wall into the Ditches, the Town was taken by Storm. He was so enraged against the Inhabitants, that he took cruel Vengeance even upon the very Women and Children, above four thousand of them dying by the edge of the Sword. This was his last exploit in War, afterwards he retired very much indisposed into England, where yet he languished three years. When he was gone the Affairs of the English ran every day into decay, the greatest part of the Lords, and Commanders in Guyenne, whom his Valour and Bounty tied to his Court, going over to the French.

[Year of our Lord 1372] He had left the care of his Affairs to the Duke of Lancaster, who stay'd no long time in Guyenne, but went over into England to be present in a great Council which was held about the concerns on this side the Water. At his departure he Married the Daughter of Peter the Cruel, and stiled himself King of Castille: his Brother, the Earl of Cambridge, likewise took the youngest Sister to his Bed. [Year of our Lord 1372]

This was to declare a Mortal War against King Henry, who besides being engaged to the Crown of France, resolved as well for his own security as out of gratitude, to [Year of our Lord 1372] serve it with all his power. He knew the English were sending an Army into Poitou, Commanded by the Earl of Pembrooke; he put out a Fleet of forty great Ships to Sea, well stored with Canon and Fire-Arms, who lay in wait for the Earl of Pem∣brooke at the chops of the Rochel Channel. The Fight lasted two days, the Eves-eve, and the Eve of St. Johns Feast, the Rochell••rs looking on in cold blood, not to be persuaded by their Governor to go out to the aid of the English, who in the end were overcome, and all either taken or sunk. The Victors carried away the Earl of Pembrooke with the rest of the Prisoners into Spain, all laden with Chains. This was the Custom both of the Spaniards and Germans towards their Enemies, the French and English treated theirs with more generosity and civility. [☜]

This disaster was the utter ruine of the English Party. The Constable besieged [Year of our Lord 1372] and took all places with ease. After he had help'd the Duke of Berry in reducing St. Severe, which was believed to be impregnable, he came to take possession of the great City of Poitiers that opened her Arms to him. The Commanders that kept the Field were all amazed at it: but much more astonished upon the defeat of the Captal de Buch, who marching to relieve the City of Soubise, situate at the mouth of the Charente, sound himself surrounded and taken by the Spaniards, whose Fleet hover'd about that Coast. No Ransom nor Exchange could persuade the King to set him at liberty a second time, he was shut up in a Tower belonging to the Temple at Paris, where he died four years after.

[Year of our Lord 1372] The Rochellers could never agree with the English humour, scarce compatible with any Nation whatsoever; they studied how to withdraw themselves from their Go∣vernment; and for this purpose it was that the Spaniards kept so nigh to favour their design. The Castle only hindred them, the Mayor bethought himself of a Wyle. Having given the Captain a Dinner, he presented him certain Letters Sealed with King Edwards Signet, out of which he read, That they were ordered to make a Muster of the Garison in the Castle, and the City Militia. There was nothing of all this in the Letter, but the Captain, who could not read, believed it, and drew out the Garison. The Mayor had laid an Ambuscade amongst some Ruinous Buildings,

which cut off his passage and hindred his return. Ten or twelve Forelorn Wretches that were left in the Castle, Capitulated. After this, the crafty Rochellers, before they would open their Gates to the French, made their Treaty with the King, and obtained to have the Castle demolished, or if we will believe their Memoirs, an Amnesty for having demolish'd it before the Treaty. Besides this, they got so many Priviledges and great Advantages, as tended as much towards the putting this City at liberty, as for the exchanging their Master.

After the Constable, who represented the King, had taken their Oaths of Fidelity, he pursued the Conquest of Poitou and Saintonge. Most part of the Lords were retired to Touars, he laid Siege to it, and forc'd them to Capitulate; That they should put themselves, their Lands, and that place under Obedience of the King, un∣less the King of England, or one of his Sons, did come with an Army strong enough to sight the Besiegers by Michaelmass-day.

This sort of Composition was practised as long as there was the least faith left amongst Men. It ever included a Cessation of Arms, during which the Besiegers taking Hostages of the Besieged, raised their Camp, and left them all manner of liberty, excepting only the admitting more Soldiers into the Garison, or to furnish or provide it with Stores.

[Year of our Lord 1372] When King Edward heard of this Capitulation, Honour and Necessity rowzing and bringing to his mind the remembrance of his Victories, he puts to Sea himself with four hundred Vessels, that he might not lose so fine a Country, and so many brave Men. But the Winds refused to be serviceable to him upon this occasion; they tossed him about for six weeks together, and would not afford one favourable gale, but what blew him towards his own Ports of England. The time being expired, the Lords performed the Capitulation: after which the Cities of Saintes, Angou∣lesme, Saint John d'Angely, and generally all the Country even to Bourg and Blaye, returned to the Obedience of their Ancient and Natural Soveraign.

[Year of our Lord 1372] John de Montfort Duke of Bretagne looked with fear upon the Prosperity of the French, his ancient Enemies, and with regret upon the decay of the King of England his Father-in-Law, and his Protector: but he was not Master in his Dutchy, the People would have no more War, the haughty humour of the English was not com∣patible with their Liberty▪ and the Barons dazled with the lustre of de Guesclin and de Clissons Fortune, had their Eyes turned upon the Employments and Pensions of the Court of France. Thus the Duke was under great constraint, If he admitted any English to land upon those Coasts, the Common People fell upon them; if he quarter'd them in his Garisons, the Lords rose up. Having placed some in Brest, Conquet, Kemperle, and Henneband, they besought the King to send them some Forces to drive them thence, and put the Cities into his hands, as they did Vennes, Renes, and divers others.

The Revenge he would have taken, by laying Siege to St. Mahé, did but hasten his loss, and the Constables march with the Duke of Bourbon. Some English Soldiers that he had sent for to strengthen himself withall, had the whole Country against them, and were all cut in pieces; so that although he had some good places left, he durst not shut himself in any of them, but passed over to England to cry out for help.

Whilst he was gone the Constable secured them all excepting three, Brest, Becherel, and Derval, (this last belonged to Knolles) he laid Siege to all these at the same time, as likewise to la Roche-sur-yon in Anjou.

This last being farthest off from all Assistance, surrendred, Brest, Becherel, and Derval promised to do as much, if within a certain prefixed time there appeared not an Army sufficient, and that would hold Battle * 1.38, to make the French raise their Siege. As for Brest and Derval they saved themselves by this means. The Earl of Salisbury was then at Sea to guard the English Coasts against the Spanish Navy Com∣manded by Evans of Wales, whose Father King Edward had put to death to get that Principality. Hearing what danger Brest was in, he landed in Bretagne, encamped and entrench'd himself near that place, then sent his Heraulds to the Constable to proclaim that he was come to raise the Siege, and expected him there. The Con∣stable did not think sit to attaque him in so well fortisied a Post; Thus that place was deliver'd. At their departure thence, Knolles, who had defended it, threw himself into Derval, not thinking himself obliged to stand to the Treaty made by that Ga∣rison; which cost the Lives of their Hostages, and by way of Reprizal, the Lives of some Gentlemen whom Knolles had taken Prisoners. As for Becherel it held out a whole year; at the end whereof, no Army appearing on the day prefixed to relieve it, it fell into the hands of the French.

The King of England did not fail of his Guaranty to the Duke of Bretagne; he raised an Army of above Thirty thousand Men, whom he gave to the Duke of Lan∣caster to restore that Prince, who had the confidence to send defiance to the King of France his Sovereign: they landed at Calais the twentieth of July, marched tho∣rough and pillaged Artois, Picardy, Champagne, Fores, Beaujolois, Auvergne and Limo∣sin, and descended into Guyenne, instead of going into Bretagne, as Montfort hoped and expected.

It was the constant resolution of this wise King, not to hazard any great Battle against the English; but he ordered his Forces should be lodged every night in some Town, should follow the enemy by day, and never cease from galling and disturb∣ing them, falling upon all straglers, and sitting so near their skirts, as to keep all Provisions and Forage from them; by which means he defeated their great Armies by little and little, and made them moulder away to nothing. These having been observed and pursued by the Duke of Burgundy, as far as Beaujolis, and from thence to the Dordogne by the Constable, were not only prevented from undertaking any thing considerable, but were so much weakned and diminished, that scarce six thou∣sand of them got into Bourdeaux.

[Year of our Lord 1373] During this irruption, the Duke of Anjou, Governour of Languedoc, made an∣other, much more advantageous into the upper Guyenne. He conquer'd several pla∣ces of little or no name at present, but in these days of great importance.

* 1.39 Two great Judgments, a Famine and a * Plague, tormented France, Italy, and England this year 1373. There likewise Reigned, especially in the Low Countreys, a phrantick passion, or phrensie, unknown in the foregoing ages. Such as were tainted with it, being for the most part the scum of the people, stript themselves stark naked, placed a Garland of Flowers upon their Heads, and taking Hands with one another, went into the Streets and Churches, Dancing, Singing, and run∣ning round with so much violence, that they fell down for want of breath. This agitation made them swell so prodigiously, they would have burst, had not great pains and care been taken to swathe them with bands, about their Bellies imme∣diately, such as looked on them too attentively, were often infected with the same distemper. Some believed it an operation of the Devil, and that Exorcisms did much help them. The vulgar named it, The Dance of St. JOHN.

[Year of our Lord 1375] Upon the instant and continual exhortations of the Pope, the two Kings entred in∣to a Negotiation to compose their differences. For this an Assembly was held at Bruges in Flanders, whither they sent their nearest Princes of their Blood, and the most illustrious Lords of their Kingdoms. It lasted almost two years incredible expence: There was first a Truce made for a year, to commence in the month of May of this year 1375. which being concluded, the Duke of Lancaster and the Duke of Bretagne passed into England.

Bretagne not being comprehended, their Duke returns with an Army of English, and partly by force, partly by correspondence regained St. Mahé, St. Brieue, and seven or eight other places, whilst John d'Evreux, Brother to the King of Navarre made great spoil and waste all about Kemperlay.

He had built a Fort thereabouts for his retreat, from whence he very much incom∣moded that City, Clisson, Roban, Beaumanoir, and other Lords of Bretagne besieged him in it. The Duke hastned thither to deliver him, they quickly marched off, he pursues them and besieged them in Kemperlay: Now when they were just ready to be exposed to his mercy (he would have shewed but little to those whom he pro∣claimed Traitors and Rebels) a second Truce wherein they comprized him, drew them most fortunately out of his hands.

[Year of our Lord 1375] The minority of the King of France (if I do not deceive my self) lasted to the age of Twenty years, and during all that time, all Command, all Orders, and all Acts were made under the name of the Regent. The wise King considered, that an Authority so absolute, might force or snatch the Crown from his Son, if he left him a Minor; That the people, were it error or custom, did not willingly acknowledge a Prince for their King till he was Crowned; and that it might be feared, lest the Duke of Anjou should make them believe, by some former examples or presidents, that they ought to chuse one that was in Majority, and capable to Govern. For these reasons, or for others we are ignorant of; he made his memorable Ordonnance by the advice of the Princes, Lords, Prelates, University, and other notable persons

which imports, "That the eldest Sons of France, as soon as they have attained to the age of Fourteen years, should be held for Majors, and capable of being Crowned, and that they should receive the Homage and Oaths of sidelity from their Subjects. This was made at the Bois de Vincennes in the month of August 1374. and verified in Parlia∣ment the Twentieth of May of the following year.

We must not however imagine, that he believed (as much King as he was) that he could advance the course of Nature, and give his Son the Sence and Wit that age alone can bestow, since the same Year, and the same Month, he made a Declaration, which mention'd, that in case he died before his Son should have attained to the age of Fourteen years, he left the Guardianship and Government of him, and of his other Children; as also the Government and Defence of the Kingdom to the Queen Mother (she was then living) and joyned with her the Dukes of Burgundy and of Bourbon, with a necessary and sufficient Council of near Forty persons.

[Year of our Lord 1376] The Popes Legats remained still constantly at Bruges, and kept the Ambassadors of both Crowns there with them to labour for a Peace; But the Propositions on either side being at too great a distance to be brought to a meane, they ob∣tained at least a prolongation of the Truce to the Month of April, in the year 1377.

In Gascongne the Earl of Armagnac thinking to take revenge upon the Earl de Foix, who had beaten him, increased both his shame and loss. He had taken the little City of Caseres, and put himself into the place without providing it with Ammuni∣tion; the Earl de Foix besieges him, and without striking a blow, reduces him to the extreamest want; but he would not agree to give him and his their Lives, but upon condition, that they should creep out thorough a hole made purposely in the [Year of our Lord 1376] Wall, which they could not do but by crawling with their Bellies upon the ground. nor were they quit for all this affront, the Earl of Armagnac and twenty more of the principal, paid great ransoms before they could be released. The King of Na∣varre pass'd his word for that of the Sire d'Albret.

[Year of our Lord 1377]

During the long absence of the Popes, Italy had accustom'd it self to disregard and disown them.

The People of Rome set up themselves as several petty Tyrants to preserve some Image of their Liberty; and by the same Spirit, the Cities belonging

to the Ecclesiastical State, at the sollicitation, and with the aid of the Florentines, had shaken off the yoak, and turned out his Apostolical Legats. Gregony IX. think∣ing to redress these disorders; and besides, being earnestly pressed by St. Bridget of Sweden, and by St. Catherine of Sienna, two persons who were thought to have a very frequent Commerce with Heaven, resolved to transfer the Holy See back to Rome, from whence it had been removed Seventy two years. He departed from Avignon the three and twentieth of September, embarqued at Marseilles, and after very great dangers on the Sea, Signes of the agitations that change had wrought in the Church, he arrived at Rome the Twenty seventh of January following.

[Year of our Lord 1377] King Edward in the mean while had lost the brave Prince of Wales, his eldest Son, who had left a Son named Richard very young; and for two years past found himself much broken, and his Brain decay'd with weight of continual business and contenti∣on, though he were but 65 years of age: This was it made him desire to have a Peace, and made him willing to relinquish many Articles of the Treaty of Bretigny. But death prevented the effects of that disposition, and took him out of the World the 21 of June. His Grandson Richard II. Surnamed of Bourdeaux, succeeded him.

He had seven Sons, whereof five only lived to Mens Estate, and were Married, those were Edward, Lyonel, John, Edmond, and Thomas; Edward was the brave Prince of Wales; for the other four, the First was Duke of Clarence, the Second of Lancaster, both of them by the Heiresses of those two Houses, and the Third Earl of Cambridge, then Duke of York, the Fourth, Earl of Buckingham, and after∣wards Duke of Gloucester: He had also Four Daughters, Isabella, who Married the Earl of Bedford, Jane, who was Wife to the King of Spain, Mary, that was so to John de Montfort Duke of Bretagne, and Margaret to the Earl of Pembrook. This great multitude of Children was his strength during his life-time, and the ruine of England after his death.

[Year of our Lord 1377] The Wise King had not consented to suspension of Arms, but to prepare himself the better. Therefore he would hear of no more Propositions, and making himself

assured of the event o•• the War, he began it anew with five Armies: He sent one into Artois, One into the Countreys of Berry, Auvergne, Bourbonnois, and Lyonnois, One into Guyenne, One into Bretagne, and kept the Fifth near himself, as a reserve [Year of our Lord 1377] to assist either of the other Four that might stand in need of it; They were Com∣manded by the Dukes of Burgundy, of Berry, and of Anjou, Oliver and the Constable; all which behaved themselves so well, that the English could not preserve any places of importance but Calais in Belgica, Bourdeaux, and Bayonne in Guyenne, and Cher∣bourgh in Normandy, which was sold to him by the Navarrois.

[Year of our Lord 1378] The eldest Son of that King, named Charles, as himself was, had a great desire to see the King of France his Uncle; his Father was just then upon the point of concluding a bargain with the English, very disadvantageous to France, which was to give them some Lands and Places he held in Normandy, and to take the Dutchy of Guyenne in ex∣change, for the defence whereof they were to furnish him every year with Two thou∣sand Men at Arms, and as many Archers to be paid by them. When his Son there∣fore went to see his Uncle, he would needs take this opportunity to brew some Plot or Conspiracy in France, and even to poison the King. He had therefore placed about his Son the most crafty, and most wicked Men he could pick out; amongst others la Rue his Chamberlain, and du Tertre his Secretary; but was so unadvi∣sed withal, as to send the Captains of his best places of Normandy.

His design was discover'd, or perhaps prevented; the King caused his Son and his Captains to be seized, and la Rue and du Tertre to be put into the hands of Ju∣stice. The Son whatever intercession could be made, remained a prisoner Five years, the Captains were not set free, till the places they belonged to were surrendred to the King; du Tertre and la Rue had their Heads cut off. At the same time some For∣ces were sent into Normandy, and took all his Holds, to the number of Ten or Twelve, excepting Cherbourgh, which after a long Siege remained still in English hands, and immediately dismantled them.

The Duke of Anjou pressed the English very home likewise in Guyenne. The taking of Bergerac, and the gaining of a Battle which was fought near the little City of Ay∣met, where almost all the Chiefs and Barons of Gascongne remained prisoners, made himself Master of all the Places above the two Rivers, the Dordogne and the Ga∣ronne.

Three things weakned the English so much, that they had neither the Sence nor Courage, nor Forces and Strength to defend themselves. One was the Minority of their King, aged but Thirteen years, the Second a great Plague, which depopulated England, and the Last, the incursions of the Scots, who had broken the Truce, being incited to it by the King, and upon condition of a hundred thousand Gold Florins, with the Pay for Five hundred Men at Arms, and as many Sergeants.

[Year of our Lord 1377. and 78.] The Pope ceased not to exhort the King of France to make Peace, and pressed the Emperour Charles to make use of his intercession. The Emperour, whether out of affection for the Royal House of France, or to take measures, to secure the Em∣pire to his Son Wenceslaus, or for some other subject, desired to visit that Court, though he were very much tormented with the Gout. The King sent two of the most illustrious Earls, and two hundred Horse to meet him at Cambray, where he kept his Christmass, the Duke of Bourbon to Compiegne, and two of his Brothers to Senlis, himself went beyond the Suburbs of St. Denis, to receive him, and lodg'd him in his Palace.

All the time he was in France he entertained him with all the magnificence imagi∣nable, paid him all manner of Respects, unless such as denote a Sovereignty, and which hereafter might give a Title to some imaginary pretences. For this reason when they received him into any City, they did not ring their Bells, nor bring their Canopy of State; such as made Speeches did not forget to tell him it was by order of their Sovereign; and at his entrance into Paris, the King affected to be mounted upon a White Horse, and ordered a Black one for the Emperour. He came in thither the Fourth day of January, and went out thence the Sixteenth, returning by the way of Champagne.

[Year of our Lord 1379] During his abode in the Court of France, he gratify'd the Dauphin with the Title of Vicar irrevocable of the Empire, by Letters Patents, Sealed with a Seal of Gold; and by others he likewise gave him the same Office for Danphiné, with the Castles of Pipet and Chamaux, which till then he was possessed of in the City of Vienne. Since that we do not read, that the Emperours have concerned themselves any more in the [✚]

[Year of our Lord 1378] Affairs of that Kingdom of Arles, nor touching Daupiné, which have remained in com∣pleat Sovereignty under the Kings of France; who indeed, even long before, did not acknowledge the Emperour.

Gregory XI. had scarcely been Fourteen Months at Rome, when either of Me∣lancholy, or otherwise, he fell ill of a detention of Urine, whereof he died the Seventh of March, having declared in his agony, that he foresaw grievous troubles, and that he did heartily repent his having rather given credit to deceitful Revelati∣ons, then followed the certain light of true knowledge and good understanding.

There were in all in the Roman Church three and twenty Cardinals, six whereof remained still at Avignon, and one was gone upon a Legation. Of the Sixteen that were in Rome, there were Twelve of them French-men, and four Italians; all of them foreseeing that the Roman Populace would force them to elect a Pope of the Italian Nation, agreed amongst themselves, that they would elect one feigned∣ly only, to avoid the fury of the People, and another in good earnest, whom when they were gone thence they would own for the true Pope. During this Con∣vention, the heat and violence of the People growing more terrible then they [Year of our Lord 1378] could have imagined; they named the Cardinal Bartholomew* 1.40 Boutillo a Native of Naples, Arch-Bishop of Barry in that Kingdom, who immediately took himself to be lawful Pope, and assumed the Name of Ʋrban VI.

The Cardinals in the mean time were forced to dissemble, till they could have fit opportunity to declare the Truth, and to write Letters to all Princes, that his Election was Canonical; however, they gave notice to the King of France, that he should give no faith to their Letters, till they were out of danger. But when upon pretence of avoiding the extream heats in Rome, they were retired to Anagnia; being moreover offended at the proud deportment of Bartholomew, they made the Truth of the matter of Fact known to all Princes, admonished Bar∣tholomew three several times, to desist from pretending to the Papacy, since he well knew they had no intention to elect him; and afterwards they proceeded judicial∣ly against him, and declared him an intruder. That done, they retired to Fundy, under protection of the Earl of that place, and there elected one of the six Car∣dinals [Year of our Lord 1379] that had remained in France. This was Robert, Brother of Peter Earl of Geneva, whose Courage was as high as his Birth. He took the Name of Clement VII.

France after several Assemblies had been held of the most Learned of the Clergy, and the most judicious Prelats and Nobility, adhered to Clement; the Kings of Ca∣stille and of Scotland, who were his Allies did the same; the Earl of Savoy, and Jane Queen of Naples also, although in the beginning she had protected his Competi∣tor. But all the rest of Christendom owned Ʋrban, the Navarrois, the English, and the Flemmings out of spite to France, the Italians to preserve the Papacy in their [Year of our Lord 1378 and 79.] Nation, the Emperour in acknowledgment, because that Pope before he was ever required, had made haste to confirm the election of Wenceslaus his Son; the King of Hungary that he might have a pretence to dispoliate the Queen of Naples; and the rest for divers interests. Peter King of Arragon remained Neutre.

At first Clement was well armed, and in a condition to over-top his adversary, ha∣ving in his service one Sylvester Bude, a Captain of Bretagne with Two thousand old Adventurers of that Nation, who took the Castle St. Angelo, defeated the Romans in Rome it self, and made themselves Masters of the City. But after another famous Captain who was an Englishman, and was named Hacket* 1.41, otherwhile Head of the [✚] Bands of the Tard-Venus, and now in the service of Ʋrban, had vanquished and ta∣ken him prisoner; Clements Affairs went on so ill, that he was driven out of Italy, and retiring himself to Avignon, left his Rival sole Master of Rome,

* 1.42 This Schisme lasted Forty years, either party having great Persons, Saints, Mi∣racles and Revelations, as they said, and even such strong Arguments and Reasons on his side, that the dispute could never be decided but by way of Cession, that is, by obliging the two Contenders to abdicate the Papacy; so that it is great boldness to call those Anti-Popes, who during this Schisme, held the See at Avignon.

[Year of our Lord 1379]

The death of the Emperour Charles IV. fell out upon the Nine and twentieth of November, in the year 1378. in the City of Prague, the 63 year of his age. Wenceslaus his Son who was elected King of the Romans in the year 1376. succeeded him in the Empire, and the Kingdom of Bohemia; a Prince deformed both in Body and Soul.

[Year of our Lord 1379] It was a kind of Rebellion in the Earl of Flanders to own any other Pope then his King had done, and indeed he shewed him ill will for it, and more yet towards the Breton, who encouraged him in his obstinacy. Besides, it had so fortuned, that the Flemming by the Counsel of that Duke, had caused one of his Envoyes to be staid, who was passing thorow his Countrey on his way to Scotland, to incite Robert Stewart to break the Truce with the English. The King made complaint to the Flem∣ming, and Commanded him to drive the Breton out of his Countreys; but the Flem∣ming having taken advice of his People, who assured him of Two hundred thousand Combatants, in case he were attaqued, refused to give him that satisfaction.

The Breton nevertheless went out of Flanders and took refuge in England. The place of his retreat aggravated his crime; the King orders him to be summoned to appear in Parliament, to be judged by his Pairs. Not presenting himself, he was de∣clar'd, by Sentence of the Ninth of December, attainted of the crime of Felony; and all his Lands, as well in Bretagne, as all others he held in the Kingdom, consiscated, for having defied the King his Sovereign Lord, and for having entred the Coun∣trey in Arms with the enemies of the Kingdom.

That which in appearance seemed likeliest to ruine this Duke, raised him. The Bretons, who for a thousand years past, had so generously fought for the liberty of their Countrey, having discover'd that the King designed more against the Dutchy it self, then the Duke alone, and that he would take it away from the guilty, only to apply it to himself, began to complain, to withdraw from their affection to the French, to re-unite amongst themselves, and to make divers Leagues and Associati∣ons between the Cities and the Nobless. Even the Widow of Charles de Blois, by Counsel of the friends of her House, sent to protest against that Decree, and al∣ledged that Bretagne was not subject or liable to consiscation, because it was not a Fief, and that if the Dukes had submitted their persons, by obliging themselves to certain Service, it was not their power to subject their Countrey.

This year a most cruel War was kindled in Flanders, which lasted Seven years. The interior cause of this inflammation was the Luxury of the Nobility, and the dis∣solute and excessive expences of the Earl; the occasion was a quarrel, that rose be∣tween one called John Lyon, and the Matthews, who were six Brothers, both the one and the other were very powerful amongst the Navigators, or Mariners, and between the Cities of Ghent and Bruges, for a certain Canal, or River which those of Bruges would needs make. The Earl took part with these, and was cause that John [Year of our Lord 1379] Lyon formed against him a faction of White Hats in the City of Ghent. He sets up the Matthews to oppose and countermine them. John Lyon was found to be the strong∣er, and pushed the contest on to the utmost extremity.

The Duke of Anjou was mighty greedy of Money, and a great exactor; his People by his Order, or upon their own Authority, having laid some new Imposts upon the City of Montpellier, which was under his Government, but of the Proprie∣ty of the King of Navarre, the People mutined, and killed Fourscore of them, a∣mongst which number were his Chancellour and the Governour. The Duke hastned thither with some Forces, and caused a most horrible Sentence to be given for pu∣nishment of that crime; but it was moderated almost in every point, by the inter∣cession of his Holiness, excepting against the Authors of that Sedition, who paid down their Heads for it. After all, the King coming to know of the capacity of that Duke, took the Government of the Province from him, and bestow'd it on the Earl of Foix.

Whether the King were ignorant of the disposition of the Bretons, or thought he could change them, he sent for the Lords of that Countrey, and screw'd a pro∣mise from them that they should assist the Duke of Bourbon, and those other Chiefs he would send into Bretagne to execute the Decree against their Duke. But the Lords on the contrary, sent for him to come thither, and stood by him so effectually with their Forces, and such as he brought over with him from England, that they re∣stored him to most of his Towns.

This was the greatest and almost the only shock this wise King met with in all his Enterprises. He was so transported, and sensibly touched, that he Commanded all [Year of our Lord 1380] the Bretons who should refuse to serve against the Duke, to go out of his Kingdom, and shewed more severity towards some of them, then was agreeable to his nature. But this usage did only strengthen the party for the Duke, and draw those over to his service, that were at that time the ablest Men of the French Armies.

He durst not, even upon this occasion, make use of the valour of his Constable, who would but unwillingly have drawn his Sword for the destruction of his native Countrey: he chose rather to send him into Guyenne to cleer some places, from whence the English, and certain crews of vagabonds by their connivance, foraged the Countrey of Auvergne. After the taking of some Castles, and beating some of those Bands, whilst he was besieging one of them in Chasteau-neuf de Randan, between Mendes and le Puy in Velay, he was assaulted by a Fever, whereof he died the Thir∣teenth of July; his very Name compleated the Work, the Besieged surrendred and brought and laid the Keys upon his Coffin. The King (upon the refusal of Enguer∣rand de Coucy) gave the Constables Sword to Oliver de Clisson, Compagnon, and Countrey∣man of the Deceased, no less valiant then the other, but very unlikein all things else, Unjust, Proud, Covetous, and Cruel.

Bretagne was then the Theater of War, the King had resolved to throw in all his Armies there, when he was constrain'd to quit the World and all his Designs. Some years before Charles the Bad, had caused some poyson to be given him, the violence whereof a Physitian belonging to the Emperour Charles IV. had allayed, by opening an issue in his Arm to discharge part of its venome; that issue being stopt it took his Life away: He died in the Castle of Beaute upon the Marne, which is beyond the Bois de Vincennes, the Sixteenth of September, the Sixth Month of the Seventeenth year of his Reign and the Four and fortiethof his Life. His Tomb is to be seen at St. Denis; his Heart was carried to the great Church of Rouen, because he had been Duke of Normandy, and his Bowes to Maubuisson, and laid by the Body of the Queen his Mother.

Upon his Death-bed, this Wise King could not forget his care for the Kingdom, he confirmed the Law concerning the Majority, left the Government to Lewis Duke of Anjou his eldest Brother, with a Council, and the Guardianship and Education of his Son Charles to the Dukes of Burgundy and of Bourbon, Commanding them most expresly to take off the Imposts, to make some agreement with the Duke of Bre∣tagne, if it were possible, and to Marry his Son into some potent Family of Germany.

In all his Conduct there appeared much solidity of Judgment, and marvellous clear∣ness of Wisdom and Understanding, a great deal of Moderation and Goodness, much Frugality and Aeconomy, and yet Magnificence and liberality upon occasion. He had been carefully bred in the Study of good Learning, by Nicholas Oresme a Theo∣logian of Paris, and Dean of Rouen, whom he made Bishop of Lisieux; and indeed he had as much affection for the Sciences, and for Learned Men, as aversion for Comedians, Juglers, Buffoons, and all those sorts of People, who under the pretence of Divertisement, corrupt the bravest Souls.

He delighted to hear the Truth from the Mouths of honest Men; and although [☞] he merited the loftiest praises, he could hardly endure any, and despised them, because in all times Courtiers have given the very same, both to good and to bad Princes.

The expences of his Wars did not hinder his Magnificence from shewing it self in the Buildings of the Castle du Bois de Vincennes, which subsists to this day, and that of the Louvre; the other parts whereof we have seen demolished, to make room for tho proudest Structure that ever Architecture raised upon Earth: but which, how great soever it can be, shall yet be much less then the King that un∣dertakes it.

But above all his Virtues, the fear of God and zeal to Justice did shine in him to a supream Decree, the care of which being the noblest Function of a King, he took pleasure in dispensing it himself, and very often came to hear the Pleadings in his Parliament, where he made them admire his Reasoning and Eloquence, speaking so fully to the Subject in hand, that there was nothing left for his Chancellour or Attorney-General to say.

He left considerable Treasures behind him in Lingots of Gold and rich Fur∣niture. It is a Problem in the Politiques, whether he did well in heaping it up; In point of Justice it is none, if they may make Millions of People miserable to enrich one single Man: And in truth his memory is not exempt from all blame on that side; but they throw it upon the Cardinal of Amiens, one of his prin∣cipal Counsellors. His Name was John de la Grange, an obdurate Soul, ambi∣tious

and covetous, whose great possessions fully demonstrate that he caused the Subsidies to be doubled meerly out of design to enrich himself.

By Jane Daughter of Peter Duke of Bourbon, and Isabella de Valois, a Prin∣cess much accomplish'd both in Body and Mind; he had two Sons, Charles, who Reigned, Lewis, who was Duke of Orleans, and six Daughters who all dyed ve∣ry young.

Charles VI, King LII.

Called by some, The Well-beloved King. Aged near XII years.

POPES,

• URBAN V. S. at Rome Nine years One Month, during this Reign.
• And
• CLEMENT VII. in Avignon, S. Fourteen years during this Reign.
• BONIFACE IX. at Rome. Elected the Second of November 1389. S. Fourteen years, Eleven Months.
• BENNET XII. Peter de Luna in Avignon, Elected the Twenty eighth of September, 1394. S. till his Deposition in Anno 1409.
• INNOCENT VII. at Rome, Elected the Seventeenth of Octob. 1404. S. Two years, and Twenty two days.
• GREGORY, XII. at Rome, Elected the last of November, 1406 till his Deposition by the Council of Pisa, 1409.
• ALEXANDER V. in 1409. S. Ten Months.
• JOHN XXIII. Elected the Se∣venteenth of May 1410. S. Five years, Deposed at Constance, Ann. 1414.
• Vacancy from the year 1414. to the year 1417.
• MARTIN V. Elected the Tenth of November 1417. S. Thirteen years Three Months and a half.

[Year of our Lord 1380. in September.] THe Reign of Charles the Wise was happy enough, but too short; this very long and exteramly unfortunate. A Minor King, and then aliena∣ted in his Understanding, Sick-Brain'd; a Queen, an ill Wife, and un∣natural Mother; Princes of the Blood Ambitious, Covetous, Squande∣rers and Cruel; the Grandees by their example, giving themselves upto all man∣ner of Licentiousness; Subjects mutinous and seditious, tumbled France into an Abysse of all kinds of Miseries, and under the dominion of Strangers.

From the very first day, some jealousies about the Government divided the Kings Uncles. The Duke of Anjou being seized of the Regency, disposed of Com∣mands, and changed the Officers: The Dukes of Burgundy and of Bourbon* 1.43 could not suffer it, and would have the King Crowned: he maintained on the contrary, that he ought not to be so till he were Fourteen years of age, according to the De∣claration of the late King. About this difference an Assembly of Notables was held, where John des Marais, Advocate-General of the Parliament maintained the Duke of Anjou's Cause, and Peter d'Orgement the contrary.

This conference having only heated them the more, the friends of either partyarm'd. themselves: Paris beheld her self surrounded with Soldiers who lived at Discretion The Lords of the Kings Council mediated an agreement, and prevailed so far,

that the parties referred it to Arbitrators, who concluded, That the King should be Crowned without delay; That afterwards he should have the administration of the Kingdom, that is to say, he should receive the Homages and Oaths, and all Acts should be expedite in his Name; and for this purpose the Regent had aged him, that is to say, Emancipated; That the Duke of Anjou should continue Re∣gent; that the other Two should have the Guard of the Kings Person, with the Revenues of Normandy, and three or four Bailywicks for his entertainment.

They likewise agreed to chuse a Council of Twelve Persons, necessarily resident at Paris, where by a plurality of Votes they were to ordain all things concerning the Revenue, and Offices belonging thereto, and without whose Authority no part of the Demeasnes pertaining to the Crown, should be alienated either for Life or Per∣petuity; and who should make an Inventory of the Revenues, Plate, Jewels and Fur∣niture that was the Kings, which the Duke of Anjou seized upon, and never gave a good account of.

The Imposts having been very excessive, in the last years of the Reign of Charles V. caused some Emotions in the Cities, particularly of Paris and Compiegne: but without any miscievous consequence or accidents. The Cardinal d'Amions who had been principal contriver of those Subsdies, was now paid part of the reward he so well deserved: for the young King remembred he had checkt him with sawcy Language in his Fathers life-time, and exprest his resentment in discourse to the Chamberlain Peter de Savoisy, in these terms, God be thanked, we are now delivered from the Tyranny of that Chaplain! The Cardinal having notice of it, makes up his pack and retires to Douay, and from thence to Avignon, carrying away an immense Treasure which he had scraped together to the poor Peoples cost, and by picking the pockets of the whole Nation.

Clisson had been confirmed in the Office of Constable, he had the Commission to conduct the King to Rbeims, with that Pomp and Magnificence, as was usual on those Ceremonies. The Duke of Anjou staying some days behind, seized upon the Treasures which Charles V. had concealed in the Walls of the Castle at Melun, ha∣ving forced Savoisy, with whom the King had entrusted the secret and guard of it, to shew him the where it lay, which prompted the courage of that Prince, to undertake the unfortunate War of Italy, where himself perished with the choice Flower of the French Nobility. So true it is, that those vast sums of Mo∣ney collected by Sovereign Princes, does for the most part bring only trouble to their Kingdoms in the end, and that their Treasures are no where so secure, as in the affections of the Subjects, who are ever affectionate and kind, when they are [☞] kindly Treated.

The Duke of Anjou having overtaken the King upon his way to Rheims, the Co∣ronation was performed the Fourth of November. Of the Lay-Paris were none present but the Duke of Burgundy, who being the first of all, it was by judgment of the Council ordained, That he should take place before the Duke of Anjou, his elder Brother and Regent; and when this last not submitting to that judgment, had seated himself at the Feast made on that Ceremony, next to the King, the Burgun∣dian boldly came, thrust himself between, and took the place above him.

The Princes and their Council of Twelve, had no other aim but their particu∣lar Interests. The Duke of Anjou was the most powerful, the Duke of Burgundy made Head against him, Bourbon's Duke sloated betwixt both, the Duke of Berry made no considerable Figure.

At the Coronation there was proclaimed the relaxation of the Imposts, pursuant to the last Will of Charles V. but the Duke of Anjou having taken all the Money of the Treasury, and refusing to employ any of it towards payment of the Soldiery, or the Kings Family, in one Month after they were fain to settle new ones, especi∣ally upon the City of Paris. The Populace mutined, a Cobler makes himself Head of them, and compell'd the Prevost des Marchands to go to the Palace, attended with a multitude of Mutineers, to demand the Revocation of them; nevertheless the Chancellour (it was William de Dormans, Bishop of Beauvais) appeased that Commotion by fair words, and with a promise that was made, to grant them what they did desire.

The very next day another Troop of the Rabble pull'd down their Courts or Of∣fices, tore their Accounts and Registers; and going thence fell upon the Jews Hou∣ses: there were Forty in one Street, plundred them all, and burnt their Writings, took their Children and haled them to Church to Baptize them, and would have beat out the Brains of their Fathers, had they not taken Sanctuary in the Prison of

the Chastelet. The King restored them to their Houses again, and caused Proclama∣tion, that every one should give them back what they had forced from them.

In the Month of July, the Earl of Buckingham with a potent Army was landed at Calais, not in Guyenne, as is told us in the History of this Reign, written by a Monk of St. Denis, which is not very true in many places. He crossed Picardy, Champagne, passed near Troyes, where the Duke of Burgundy had made the general Rende-vouz of his Army, then by Gastinois, la Beause, Vendosinois, and Mayne, to go into Bretagne to the assistance of that Duke.

[Year of our Lord 1381] The same day he passed the Sartre, King Charles V. passed into the other World. The news of his death allayed that hatred the Breton had conceived against the French: Insomuch as the English having laid Siege before Nantes, he even left them there two Months without joyning them, as he had promised. They were fain to go and find him out at Vennes. He was mightily perplexed, for the Breton Lords, even those who were the most affectionate, being tired with suffering under strangers, and the miseries of War, and withal, revolted from him by the intrigues of Clisson, and the cre∣dit of Beaumanoir, would peremptorily have him agree with France; in effect, they compell'd him to make a Peace with the King, to dismiss the English, and renounce their Alliance; and also gave such cautions as obliged him to make good this Treaty.

They did not breed up the young King conformable to the good instructions of his Father, but according to the inclinations of his age, and airy Nature, to Hunt∣ing, Dancing, and running about here and there. One day when he was Hunting in the Forest of Senlis, a large Stag was rowzed, which he would not pursue with his Dogs, but took him a Toil They found about his Neck a Copper Coller Gilt,* 1.44 with an Inscription in Latine, which imported * that Casar had given him it. The young King, because of this, or for that in a Dream he had been carried up into the [✚] Air by a Stagg that had wings, took two Staggs Volant for Supporters to the Arms of France. Before him our Kings had Flowers-de-Luce Sans number in their Scutche∣on, he reduced them to three, we do not know wherefore.

[Year of our Lord 1381] The Children of the Navarrois, to wit, his Eldest, and his Second Son, and one Daughter, who had been taken in one of his places of Normandy, being yet prison∣er; the wicked King hired an Englishman to poison the Dukes of Berry and Burgun∣dy, in revenge for that they hindred their being set at liberty. This wretched fellow was discover'd and quarter'd alive. Nevertheless John King of Castille, the Son of Henry, importun'd by the continual sollicitations of his Sister, who Married the In∣fant of Navarre, interceded so effectually with the Kings Uncles, that they released those innocent Children of a very wicked Father.

[Year of our Lord 1381] The meanness and condescentions of the two Popes towards those Princes, of their parties to attain their ends, was a most lamentable thing; nor can it without indignation be express'd what exaction and violence they committed on the Clergy, and those Churches of their dependance. The six and thirty Cardinals of Avignon were so many Tyrants, to whom Clement gave all sorts of Licence, They had Proctors every where with Grants of Reversions, who snapp'd up all the Benesices, the Claustral Offices, the Commandery's, retained the best of them, and sold the rest, or gave them upon pension, or rather Farmed them out.

Clement himself, besides his seizing upon all that any Bishop or Abbot left after his death; besides his taking a years Revenue of each Benesice upon every change, whether it hapned by vacancy, or by resignation, or by permutation, ravaged the Gallican Church, by infinite Concussions, and extraordinary Taxes. Good People bewailed these disorders; there were none but Purloiners that wished they might be continu∣ed, and nothing but the particular Interests of Princes kept this Schisme still on foot. Clement allowed the Duke of Anjou the Levying of the Tenths, and the Duke allow∣ed of all his pilserings, and violently reproved all those that durst complain. This unjust proceeding, rather then the Justice of Ʋrbans party, was the cause why many of the principal Doctors of the Faculty put themselves under the Obedience of that Pope; and also made the University begin to desire and demand a Council, as the Sovereign remedy for all these mischiefs.

[Year of our Lord 1381] The Duke of Berry, angry that he had no part in the Affairs, his Father-in-law, the Earl of Armagnac, perswades him to demand the Government of Languedoc, as then in the hands of his Enemy the Count de Foix. The Council consents to his de∣mand, but the Count armed to maintain himself, and the Province, where he was as much beloved for his Justice and his Generosity, as the Duke of Berry was hated for his Thievery, stuck close to him. The Duke with an Army to take possession

by force, the Count beat him foundly near the City of Rabasteins; but after he had let him know he was able to keep his Government, he yielded it up to him, that he might not be the ruine of those that defended him.

[Year of our Lord 1381] John Lyon chief of the White Hats, had so blown up the troubles in Flanders, that his death could not extinguish the Flame. Most part of good Towns in that Countrey had joyned themselves to the Ghentois; the Peace the Duke of Burgundy had made betwixt them and the Earl his Father-in-law, lasted but a very short time; the Earl goes secretly out of Ghent, and the Gentry combine against the Cities; Ghent had all manner of ill success; but neither their being thrice let Blood, which cost above Fifteen thousand Lives, nor Waste, nor Famine, nor being fortaken by the other Cities, nor yet the miseries of two Sieges, could quell those stubborn ob∣stinate lovers of their liberty.

After the loss of most of their stoutest Leaders, they chose one, named Peter du Bois, and upon his perswasions another also▪ to wit, Philip d'Artevelle, Son of that James, formerly mentioned, much richer then his Father, but less crafty, and much prouder. This last took the upper-hand, and pretended to all the Functions of a Sovereign.

[Year of our Lord 1384] Although they had promised the People to take off the Imposts, the Regent, nor the Treasurers who Governed him, could not resolve upon't. The great Cities took up Arms to oppose it Peter de Villiers, and John de Marais, Persons venerable with the People, and also very much regarded by the Regent, somewhat appeased the commotion at Paris; but could by no means perswade them to suffer those new Le∣vies. The Burghers took Arms, set Guards at the Gates, created Diseniers * 1.45, Cin∣quanteniers * 1.46, Centeniers * 1.47, and made some Companies to keep the Avenues and Passa∣ges to the City free.

[Year of our Lord 1381] The Duke of Anjou was therefore forced to dissemble for the present, but he had not resolved to let go the thing thus, and intended only to wait till their heats were grown colder to go on as before. It hapned the following year, that having pub∣lished the Farming of those at the Chastellet, one of the Officers belonging to the Farmers demanding a Denier* 1.48 of an Herb-Woman for a bundle of Cresles; the Rabble gathered together upon the noise this Woman made, grew into fury, went and broke open the Town-Hall to get Arms, and took out three or four thousand iron Maillets or Hammers, for which cause this seditious crew were named the Mal∣letiers. After this they massacred all that were concerned to gather it, plundred their Houses, and razed them, open'd the Prisons and took out all the Criminals; amongst others, Hugh Aubriot Prevost of Paris, whom they made their Captain, but he for∣sook them the very same night and fled to his own Countrey of Burgundy.

He had been condemned some Months before at the Suit of the Clergy, to end his days between four Walls, for crimes of Impiety and of Heresie, and shewing himself a most bitter Enemy to the Scholars and Heads of the University.

The Sedition at Rouen which hapned at the same time, was called the Harelle* 1.49 The Populace took a wealthy Merchant, and perforce gave him the Title of King; then leading him in triumph about the City, compell'd him to declate an abolition of all Imposts.

The King was counsell'd to punish the Mutiniers, and not let fall any of those Im∣positions. He began with Rouen, going thither in person, he caused a Gate to be beaten down, that he might enter by that breach; Commanded all their Arms to be carried into the Castle, punish'd a great many of the Faction with death, then set up the Imposts with Taxes and Fines.

[Year of our Lord 1381] To compass their ends the more readily amongst the Parisians, they pretended to listen to the intercessions of the University, and a Deputation of some honest Burg∣hers, who went to wait upon the King at the Bois de Vincennes, and to consent at last to the suppression of the Imposts, and forgiveness for all excess committed in their Mutinies; only they excepted those that had any hand in forcing the prisons of the Chastellet. Under this pretence a great many were taken, and the Prevost of Paris not daring to execute them publickly, threw them into the River by night at several times,

This severity not being capable to fright the Parisians, so far as to make them consent to the setling of the Imposts, they fell to Treaty with them, which ever proves advantageous to the Superiour, against his Inferiours. By this means the Court got an hundred thousand Francs of the City, to whom perhaps they would have given double the sum, could they have done it with Honour, to have had the liberty of returning thither.

[Year of our Lord 1382]

England was not less troubled with the like Commotions, having a King under age* 1.50, and Governours extreamly covetous. Never was that Kingdom in so great danger. The Commons revolted against the Nobility, who in truth kept them in a most servile condition; One John Valee* 1.51 a Priest of the Archbishoprick of Can∣terbury, had so well catechised and instructed the Countrey fellows, by divers Dis∣courses after they had been at Church, concerning the equality that God and Nature made amongst all Mankind, that they conspired the destruction of the Rich and Noble. To this end they flock to London in several parties, under pretence of demanding justice of the King, and stirred up all the Counties to joyn with them, like so many packs of Blood-hounds. For some Months the Citizens and Gentry durst not stir; but these Russians having neither Head nor Council, nor Discipline, their Captains being surprized and executed, they were soon dispers∣ed, and beaten home with Cudgels like so many brute Beasts.

Because of these disorders the English entred upon a Conference with the French, to make a Peace; Boulogne was the place they met in: the Deputies not coming to a conclusion, made only a Truce for one year, during which time they went and en∣tangled themselves in that War, which Ferdinand King of Portugal made against John King of Castille. The Earl of Cambridge, who had married a Daughter of Peter the Cruel, carried some Forces thither, fancying he might regain Castille, both to his own advantage, and the Duke of Lancaster's, his Brother. France failed not to assist the Castillan; and thus the French and English having a Truce in these parts, made War upon each other in Spain. Scarce had it lasted eight Months, when the Portugais not receiving from England all that assistance they were promised, claps up an agree∣ment with the Castillans, and made the English their enemies.

The hundred thousand* 1.52 Francs they drew from the Parisians, was the Duke of An∣jou's last hand, who did not forward those Impositions, but only to have the great∣est share himself for his voyage to Italy, whereof this was the Subject.

After Clements party were ruined at Rome, Ʋrban thinking to revenge himself up∣on Jane* 1.53 Queen of Naples, perswaded Lewis King of Hungary to send him Charles de Duraz, surnamed Peaceable, to come and take possession of that Kingdom, to whom he proffer'd the investiture, as being the nearest of the Males.

This Prince had all the obligations imaginable to Queen Jane, or Joane, for he was of the very same Blood as she, Son of Lewis Count de Gravines, who was the Son of John VIII. Son of Charles the Lame, and therefore Brother to King Robert. She had bred him with as much care and tenderness in her Court, as if he had been her own Child; she had married him to the Princess Margaret her Neece, she designed to make him her Successor, and kept his Children at this very time in her own Fami∣ly. The execrable ambition for a Crown rendred him ingrateful, and made him break thorough all these obligations, and noble endearments. The Queen finding he was coming, with an intention and preparation to Dethrone her, had recourse to France her first Original, and adopted the Duke of Anjou for her Son and presump∣tive Heir, in Anno 1380.

King Charles the Wise, after the example of St. Lewis, would have spared nothing to establish his Brother in the Throne; but hapning to dye, the Enterprize was left in suspense. In the mean while Charles lost no time, for being Crowned King of Si∣cilia [Year of our Lord 1381] at Rome, in the beginning of the year 1381. he marched towards Naples, where being received without opposition, he besieged the Queen and her Sister Mary, in the Castle del'Ovo, forced them in fine to surrender, after his having defeated and taken Otho of Brunswic, Janes fourth Husband, and caused both of them to be strang∣led in prison.

[Year of our Lord 1381. and 82.] Those succors the Duke of Anjou was leading to that unhappy Princess, being now useless, and Charles by that time setled in the Kingdom; the Duke was hesitating whether he should pass the Mountains. Pope Clement, who had but this one way to Dethrone Ʋrban, engag'd him by such great allurements and advantages, as plain∣ly manifested, he did not care whether he ruin'd the Church, both in her Spiritu∣als and Temporals, provided he could but compass his own establishment.

[Year of our Lord 1382] It was about the end of the last year the Duke had certain news that Queen Jane was Besieg'd, and caused his Forces to march towards Provence. The Pope invests him with the Kingdom of Sicilia, and Crowned him at Avignon, the Thirtieth day of May. Jane had been dead eight days, but as it was not known in a long time, he gave him only the Title of Duke of Calabria. The Provensals were not satisfied

or consenting to the adoption of the Duke, much less would they own him for their Sovereign whilst Jane was alive: nor would he take the Crown or leave them, till he had made himself sure; it took him up six Months time to reduce them, and after∣wards he loaded them with all manner of Taxes and Imposts, as he had done the French.

[Year of our Lord 1382] After he had exacted all he could, he passes into Italy, his Army consisted of Thir∣ty thousand Horse. Ame VI. Earl of Savoy, one of the most renowned Princes of his time, accompanied him with Fifteen hundred Lances, all Knights or Esquires.

Being entred into the Kingdom by the Marca Anconitana, not without much toil, he took the City of Aquileae, and divers other places in Apulia, and Calabria, and was acknowledged by several Grandees of the Countrey.

Charles, desirous to be rid of him without any hazard against so potent an ene∣my, had recourse to the inventions of those Countreys, and sends him a crafty poy∣soner, under the Title of a Herauld: this wickedness being discover'd, and the false Herauld Beheaded and Quartered, he bethinks him of challenging Lewis to a Combat, to amuse him and gain time; their Cartels are to be seen, they are dated in* 1.54 the Month of November; a single Combat between Man and Man was first propound∣ed, then they agreed to decide all Disputes by ten on each side. The Earl of Sa∣voy was to be the Chief on Lewis's part, but Charles by a hundred delays and evasi∣ons, temporised till he furnished all his Places, and then openly broke off all that Project.

[Year of our Lord 1382]

This year hapned the Tragical History of the only Son of the Count de Foix, and Agnes, Sister of the King of Navarre, whose Name, as his Fathers, was Ga∣ston Phebus. The Count not much caring for his Wife, because he entertained a Mi∣striss, took occasion to send her back to her Brother, for that he took no care to pay the Ransom of the Lord d'Albret. Now the Son going to see his Mother in Navarre, this wicked Uncle gave him a Powder to strew upon his Fathers Meat, making him believe, that so soon as he had swallowed any he would recall his Mo∣ther. The young Boy too credulous, took that for a Philtre, which in effect was a deadly poyson, and did not conceal what he would do, from a bastard-Brother of his: the Bastard having told the Count, this unfortunate Father, after he had most outragiously used his Son both by Words and Blows, cast him into prison where he lost his Life, either through Grief, or by his hands that had given it him.

[Year of our Lord 1382] The Earl of Flanders had besieged Ghent, and was himself at Bruges, whose Inha∣bitants rendred him all possible service to destroy that City their grand enemy. The Ghentois reduced to hunger by their Earl, without being able to obtain pardon, stak'd down all they had left at once. The First day of May, by the advice of Artevelle, and under his Conduct, they went forth to the number of Five thousand Men resol∣ved to dye, and the Third day presented themselves before Bruges.

They had no more Provisions then what was loaded in seven Waggons, and had left none at Ghent. It had been easie for the Count to have famish'd them; never∣theless, blinded with revenge, he chose rather to fight them the same day; he had only Eight hundred Lances, but of the Burghers there went forth above Forty thou∣sand Men. Amidst this terrible multitude, there was more of pride and outward pomp, then inward and true courage, they gave ground upon the very first shock; the Ghentois pursued their point, and entred pell-mell with them into the City, made themselves Masters, sacked it, and slew above Twelve hundred of the principal Tradesmen, their mortal enemies.

The Count that night hid himself in the Garret of a poor Widows House, be∣tween the Bed and Matt, where her Children lay, and escaped the next day to l'Isle, disguised like a Mechanique. This miraculous success brought all the Cities in Flan∣ders over to the Ghentois Faction, only Audenard excepted. Artevelle admired by all as the deliverer of his Countrey, took upon him the garb and state of a Sove∣reign. Prosperity tumbled him down again, as Adversity had raised him.

[Year of our Lord 1382] The Flemming thus rudely handled, had recourse to the King of France his So∣vereign, by the interest of the Duke of Burgundy his Son-in-law, and Artevelle cra∣ved the assistance of the King of England. This last moving but slowly, miss'd an opportunity that would have been of great advantage to him; but those that were of Council to Charles, complying with the humours of that young Prince, which

were conformable to the interests of France, resolved to quell the City of Ghent, which seemed to be the Spring-head of all those popular disturbances.

Having therefore taken out the Standard of St. Denis, named the Oriflamme, with the accustomed Ceremonies, he went into the Field about the beginning of Septem∣ber, Arras was the general Rende-vouz for his Army, which was made up of Sixty thousand Fighting Men, amongst which were Twelve thousand Men at Arms, and almost all the Princes, great Officers and Lords of the Kingdom. Artevelle who had besieged Audenard about two Months, left about Fifteen thousand Men there to keep those Posts, Commanded by Dubois, and marched thence with Forty thousand, re∣solved to fight the French, although he had no Cavalry. The First brush was about the passage over the River of Lys, where the French twice gained the Bridge de Co∣mines; the Second was near the City of Ypre, where Dubois lost Three thousand Men, and was wounded himself; the Third was a general Battle between Rosebeque and Courtray.

Artevelle was come thither, and had encamp'd himself with so much confidence and presumption, that he commanded his Men to give no quarter but to the King, whom he was to send prisoner into England, whilst he went on to conquer and share all France. Being informed of the great strength and excellent order of the French Army, he would have avoided his personal danger, and have absented himself, upon pre∣tence of going to fetch Ten thousand Men more to joyn with them, but the rest made him stay there as it were perforce.

[Year of our Lord 1382. in November.] The Battle was fought the Twenty seventh of November. The Flemmings kept in a very close Order, but did not fight with vigor and alacrity; the French Horse pressed so hard upon them, they had not Elbow-room to strike with much force. There were near Forty thousand of them slain, either in the fight or the pursute, amongst whom was their General Artevelle, whom they could hardly distinguish in such heaps of dead Carcasses.

The courage of the Ghentois much depressed by this cruel blow, was afresh revived and inspired by Dubois, who brought some Forces to them which he had in Bruges, and by the coming on of Winter, which hindred the Conquerours from besieging them; so that in some overtures that were propounded for an accommodation, their carriage appeared as haughty as if they had gained the Battle.

[Year of our Lord 1382. in December.] The other Cities that had sided with them, redeemed themselves by great sums of Money; Courtray did not enjoy that favour, although they had paid down the pur∣chase; the cause of this their misfortune, was said to be the resentment of the French for their annual Festivity, in commemoration of that Battle they had gained over them in the year 1302. with certain Letters from the Parisians, which were found, making mention of a League between the Cities in France with those in Flanders, for the utter rooting out of the Nobility; they were therefore plundered, massa∣cred, and the Town afterwards set on fire.

And in effect, as soon as the King was gone out of France, the Citizens of Paris, Rouen, Troyes, Orleans, and several others, had taken up Arms upon occasion of the Imposts; insomuch that the Princes and the Grandees, who sought to make advan∣tage of Confiscations and Fines; having easily perswaded the King, whether it were true or not; that the People had conspired against the Crown; that young Prince, by their advice and instigation, severely chastised those Cities, by putting great numbers to death, by Proscriptions, revocation of Priviledges, and excessive Taxes.

The Parisians as proud, but less courageous then the Ghentois, went armed forth to meet him in the Plain near St. Denis, to the number of Thirty thousand, to pay [Year of our Lord 1383] their respect to him in appearance; but in truth to let him see their strength: Ne∣vertheless, they did too much and too little, for they returned every one to his own home, upon his first word of Command. He entred their City therefore, as into a place conquer'd by force, caused their Gates to be unhinged, their Barricado's to be broken down, took away their Chains and all their Arms, their Prevost of Mar∣chants and Sheriffs Offices; and afterwards a great many of their Lives, who were drowned in the River, or hanged, or else beheaded.

Amongst those of the last number, was the Kings Advocate, John de Marais, more guilty for opposing the Princes exactions, then for contributing towards their popular commotions. After all these punishments, they ordered all the Citizens of [Year of our Lord 1383] both Sexes, to appear together in the Palace-yard. The King sitting on his Throne, which was raised very high, the Chancellour d'Orgemont shewed them the horror of their reiterated crimes, in such harsh terms, and terrible expressions, as seemed to bid them all prepare for death. They prostrated themselves upon the ground, the

Ladies with dischevell'd Hair, the Men beating their Breasts, all crying out for Mer∣cy. The Dukes of Berry and Burgundy fell on their knees before the King, who, as if he had been moved at their Prayers, did with his own Lips pronounce, that he did pardon them, and did commute the punishment they had deserved to pecuniary Mulcts and Fines.

This was the true meaning of all that Theatrical project; above one moity of their Goods was now exacted from them; and then whilst their terror was yet up∣on them, the Imposts were again setled, and they were levied with unexpressible ex∣tortion. The other Cities were Treated in the like manner; and these vast sums went almost wholly into the pockets of the Nobility, who soon squandring them away agen in foolish and vain expences, did in some sort justify those commotions, which they so horribly chastised.

[Year of our Lord 1383] The English perceived, but too late, the fault they had committed, in not sup∣porting the Ghentois more early; and therefore the Truce being expir'd, they resol∣ved to assist them. Ʋrban sounding his Trumpet of war in every corner against the Cle∣mentines, a Croisado had been preached up in England, whereof Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwich made himself Chief. Being landed at Calais, instead of attacquing the French, he fell upon Flanders, pretending that Countrey belonged to the King of France, who was a Clementine.

The taking of Gravelin and a Battle he won nigh that place, over twelve thou∣sand Flemmings, brought a terror upon the whole Countrey. After which, having had a re-inforcement from the Ghentois, he laid Siege to Ypres; but the King re∣turning personally into Flanders with a powerful Army, drove him from that place, re-took and saccaged Bergh, which the English had forsaken, and shut them up in Bourbourgh; he might have taken them at discretion, had not the mediation of the Duke of Bretagne obtained them terms that were honourable enough. The History written by the Monk of St. Denis, speaks not a word of the Bishop of Norwich, but attributes this expedition to the Duke of Gloucester. However it were, he that Com∣manded was forced to go back into England without much credit, and almost with∣out any of his Men.

[Year of our Lord 1383] This rebuke inclined the English to desire a Peace; Deputies on either side were sent to the Village of Lelinghen, in the mid-way between Calais and Boulogne. The Duke of Lancaster would comprehend the Ghentois, and the Earl of Flanders oppo∣sed it: which caused the Conference to end only in a Truce from the Month of Octo∣ber, till St. Johns day following, of which it was allowed the Ghentois should be par∣takers.

[Year of our Lord 1384] The Earl at his going thence, having retir'd himself to St. Omers, was seized with a Malady, whereof he died the Three and twentieth of January, in the year 1384. this grief attending him to his death, that he beheld his Countrey laid in ashes, and glutted with the blood of his own Subjects. Perhaps it wounded his Heart to hear the Duke of Berry reproach him with most injurious terms; That his too obstinate re∣venge was cause of all those mischiefs. Philip I. Duke of Burgundy his Son-in-law succeeded him in all his Estates, and carried on the War against the Rebels, but with more mildness, and a design of reclaiming those stubborn Spirits, and bringing them to a true submission, rather by policy and perswasion, then by force.

[Year of our Lord 1384] During the Truce there were certain Troops of Robbers who ravaged all Guyenne. The Mareschal of Sancerre, Governour of the Province, could not put up their* 1.55 Robberies, they having been so insolent as to attaque himself, wherefore he cut them all off. There was another rising of the Peasants, as cruel as those of the Jac∣querie, who over-ran Poitou, Berry, and Auvergne, and most inhumanely butcher'd all those whose Hands were not hardned with Labour they were named the Tuchins; [Year of our Lord 1384] their Leader was named Peter de la Bruyere. The Duke of Berry drew his Forces together, dispersed them, and put their Ring-leader to death, with many more of his Rustiques.

[Year of our Lord 1384] After the departure of the Duke of Anjou, the Duke of Berry and the Duke of Burgundy engrossed all Authority, but especially this last. The Duke of Bourbon find∣ing he was not able to make head against him, quitted the Government of the Kings Person, and partly to perform a Vow he had made to go into the Holy-Land, went into Africk with the Count de Harcour, the Lord de la Tremonille, and other Lords and Gentlemen, to the number of Eight hundred, and a much greater number of Ad∣venturers of divers Countries, with whom he signaliz'd his Courage and Conduct against the Moors of Barbary.

The King of Armenia Minor, sprung from the Blood of Luzignan, flying from the cruelty of the Turks who had conquer'd his Kingdom, and kept his Wife and Chil∣dren in Captivity, came for relief, and assistance to the French Court, where the King gave him Honourable Entertainment during all the rest of his days. He enjoy'd it to the year 1404. then died at Paris, and was interred at the Celestines.

[Year of our Lord 1383. and 84.] As to the Affairs of Naples, Charles de Duras and his Captains, behaved themselves so well, that cutting off all Provisions from Lewis of Anjou, and either following, or flanking him, so as to prevent his Fighting them, they reduced him to the extream∣est want of all necessaries, even of Cloaths; insomuch as this Prince, who had carri∣ed away all the Kings Treasure, had no more left him then a Coat of painted Cloth to wear, and one Silver Bowl to drink in. He had sent Peter de Craon, an Angevin Lord into France, to bring him Money and Succours; this faithless Friend made no haste to return, amusing himself at Venice with the divertisement of some Courti∣sans. After the unfortunate Prince had waited a long time without any tidings of him, he sunk under his grief, and died the Tenth day of October, in this year 1384. or [Year of our Lord 1384] as some others will have it, the One and twentieth day of September the year fol∣lowing.

The Earl of Savoy died in the month of March, either of the Plague, or by drinking Water out of a Fountain that had been poyson'd. His Son Ame VII. Sur∣named Le Rouge* 1.56 succeeded him. We must observe that this Amè VI. was the In∣stitutor of the Order of the Collar, which was composed of Love-knots, together with the Symbolical Letters of the House of Savoy, and had at the end a kind of a Ring, or wreathed Coronet. Duke Charles III. being at Chamberry, Anno 1518. changed the name of this Order to that of the Annunciado* 1.57 to honour the Holy Virgin in that mystery which is the most agreeable to her; adding Fifteen White Roses to the Fifteen Love-knots, in remembrance of her Fifteen Joyes, and filled the Pendant with Figures of the Annunciation.

[Year of our Lord 1385] The unhappy remnants of the Duke of Anjou's Army perish'd by Famine and Want, excepting such as dispersing by small parties, retired into France, begging their live∣ly-hood, and receiving more injuries, and opprobrious words in their Travels, then they got bits of Bread▪

The Angevin party was not for all this quite extinct in that Kingdom, it subsisted yet in the hearts of some Lords of that Countrey, whereof Thomas de St. Severin was the Chief, and who afterwards served very well upon occasion. For this time the Kingdom rested quietly under Charles de Duraz. * 1.58

The Truce with the English being expired, the King, who began to take cogni∣zance of his Affairs, held a grand Council, to deliberate whether they ought to continue it. It was the interest of the Duke of Burgundy, because of his Low-Coun∣treys, to have a Peace with the English; but to counterpoise his Power, and to flat∣ter [Year of our Lord 1385] the young Kings heat, they resolved on a War, and even to carry it into their own Countrey. To this purpose they fitted up a great Fleet at Sluce, and they sent to the Scots to oblige them to a rupture of the Truce on their side.

[Year of our Lord 1385] By the methods the Kings Uncles Governed, it appeared plainly, they had a mind to suck the Peoples Blood to the very last drop. The Clergy, that they might se∣cure something for their subsistance, held an Assembly, where they decreed that their Revenues should be divided into three parts, the one to be for the maintenance of the Churches, the other for Ecclesiastical Persons, and the Third for the King, with∣out any mention of the Poor.

Pursuant to the recommendation of the late King Charles the Wise, the young Kings Uncles sought a Wife for him in Germany; the opinions in Council were diffe∣rent and divided, the Duke of Burgundy carried it for Isabella, Daughter of Stephen Duke of Bavaria, Count Palatine of the Rhine. The King Married her at Amiens the .... of July. In the preceding month of April, the Nuptials between John the Duke of Burgundy's Son, and Marguerite, Daughter of Albert Duke of Bavaria: Earl of Hainault, Holland and Zealand were consummate.

[Year of our Lord 1385. and 86.] The great design upon England being laid aside, after a vast expence, that something might come of it, John de Vienne Admiral, went with Threescore Sail to Scotland, and there landed to attaque the English on that side. He made an irruption into their Coun∣trey and took some Castles, but the savage humour of the Scots, could not comply with the free liberty of the French. Besides, Love had invaded the Admirals Heart and Head, which made him courta Lady of the Kings Parentage; whereat that

wh ole Court, not being acquainted with those Gallantreys, took such offence, that he found it the best way to make his escape with all diligence.

[Year of our Lord 1385] The obstinate Ghentois would not yet bend, they had two new Leaders, Francion and Atreman, who hardned them against all apprehensions of punishment: This ob∣liged the King to make a third step into Flanders. They had no Port could receive any English Succours but Damm, the king having taken that by force, and afterwards burn∣ing all the Houses round about their City; the Rebels in the end began to hearken to Propositions for an accommodation, being inclined by the more pacifique humour of Atreman, one of their new Chiefs, in despite of all the practises of John du Bois, and returned to the obedience of the King, and the Duke of Burgundy their Lord.

This Prince quite wearied with this tedious War which ruined all his Countrey, gave them a general Amnesty for all things that were past, and the confirmation of all their priviledges, upon condition they would renounce all Leagues, and that the first that should violate the Peace, might forfeit his Life and all his Goods. The Treaty was Signed the Eighteenth of December.

A Truce was renewed likewise between France and England for some Months.

Charles de Duraz, not being satisfied with having invaded the Kingdom of Na∣ples, went also into Hungary and usurped that upon Mary, one of the Daughters of Lewis the Great his Benefactor, who died Anno 1381. and Wife to Sigismund, Bro∣ther of the ••mperour Wenceslaus, whom he detamed in captivity with the Widow Queen his Mother. After so many Treacheries and cruel Ingratitudes, Heaven suf∣fer'd him to be murther'd himself, by the order of Nicholas Gato; one of the Pala∣tines of that Kingdom, who was very affectionate to the Princesses, which hapned the Sixth day of January, in the year 1386.

[Year of our Lord 1386] The same year the Widow-Queen and her Daughter going into the Countrey, fell into the hands of Horvat, Governour of Croatia, one of King Charles's Partisans or Confederates, who to revenge the death of his Master, caused the Widow and the Murtherer Gato to be massacred. He kept the Princess some time, then sent her to Sigismund, having first obliged her by all sorts of Oaths to pardon him. Sigismund did not think himself bound by her promises, and therefore having surprized him, made him dye amidst a thousand torments.

[Year of our Lord 1386] The news of Charles's Murther being brought into Italy, Thomas de Sanseverin caus∣ed Lewis II. eldest Son of the deceased Duke of Anjou, to be proclaimed King, and Clement VII. to be owned Pope. Afterwards Marguerite the Widow of Charles be∣ing retired to Cajeta with Ladislaus or Lancelot her Son, aged about Ten years, he reduced almost the whole Kingdom, and Naples it self. Thus all things went on smoothly for Lewis, till Mary de Blois his Mother and Governess, having sent Cle∣ment de Montjoye, Nephew to Pope Clement, with the Title and Authority of Vice-Roy, the Sanseverins thinking themselves under-valued, were alienated from her Service, and turned to Ladislaus.

[Year of our Lord 1386] In the mean while Lewis was put into possession of Provence, and invested with the Kingdom of Naples by Clement, but it was not without great trouble, before the Provensaux would acknowledge him: the Kings Counsel themselves inciting them underhand to a Rebellion upon divers motives, because they would have disposed them to give themselves up to France.

After Five or Six years Truces and petty Wars, the Council resolved to attacque the English, not in Guyenne only, but even in their own Island. For this end they made the most formidable preparations of Men, Engines, and Ships, that ever yet were seen. They bought up or hired all the Vessels they could light on, from the Ports of Sweden to those in Flanders; they built a City of Wood which was to be taken in pieces, to shelter themselves upon their Landing. The King went to Sluyce to take a view of his Army and Navy, consisting in Nine hundred Vessels. The Duke of Berry's envy and jealousie retarded the progress; he would needs break the de∣sign, because he was not the contriver. In order to which he made them wait for him till the Fourteenth of September, when the Seas began to appear un-navigable. So the Forces drew off into Quarters, part of this numerous Fleet were scattered by Tempests; the English pickt up many that were wrack'd, or stragled.

[Year of our Lord 1386] There was no reason to trust the Duke of Bretagne too much, because of his too ma∣ny Obligations to the English, and the consideration that their suppression must he his ruine: wherefore they warily minded his actions: but he to justify himself, laid Siege to Brest, which they yet held as a bridle to Bretagne. The Constable assisted him in the undertaking, the place was mightily streightned; but when they were at

the last gaspe, the Duke of Lancaster who was going into Spain with great Forces, made them raise the Siege.

The occasion of his voyage was this, Ferdinand, last King of Portugal had no Child, but a Daughter born of a Lady whom he had taken from her Husband. He caused this Girl to be owned as his presumptive Heyress; as likewise the Mother had been owned Queen, and married her to John King of Castille, who was a Wi∣dower and had two Sons; but when he died, the principal Cities of Portugal appre∣hending the Castillan bondage, had more mind to have a bastard Brother of Ferdi∣nands for their King, his Name was John. Froissard names him Denis thorow a mi∣stake, instead of saying he was Grand Master of the Order D'Avis.

The fortune of the War was favourable to the Bastard, he gained a Battle at Juberot against his adversaries, the Castillans having out of an ugly jealousie, suffer'd the Gas∣cons and French to be defeated, who took their part with above Eight thousand Men, and then were afterwards themselves defeated. Notwithstanding this advantage, it was to be feared the Castillan would be able yet to crush them, and therefore the Ba∣stard sent to the Duke of Lancaster, inviting him to come and pursue the right he had to the Kingdom of Castille; as on the other hand the Castillian had recourse to France.

[Year of our Lord 1386] The Duke of Lancaster passed therefore into those Countreys with a huge force, conquer'd a part of Castille, and struck such a terror into all the rest, that King John made some overtures of Peace; but he spun out the Treaty awhile, expecting the French succours: when he sound those did not come, the Duke of Bourbon their Con∣ductor marching very slowly, he concluded the Treaty; the Duke of Lancaster Sealed it by the Marriage of two of his Daughters; one with the King of Portugal, and the other with the Castillans eldest Son.

This little piece of Honour cost the English very dear, the losses they suffer'd by contagious Sicknesses in Spain, and afterwards by Storms in their return, were so great, that the Duke of Lancaster hardly carried home the sixth part of his Men, and not one but in a languishing condition, half dead with malady and pain.

* 1.59 At last by a just punishment from Heaven, Charles the Wicked who had blown up so many flames, and burnt so many entrails with his violent poysons, was most cruelly burnt himself. He had caused his Body to be wrapp'd all over with Sheets drenched in Spirit of Wine and Sulpher, to corroborate the natural heat decay'd by his debauches; this took fire, I know not by what accident, and broiled him to the very bones, whereof he died three days after, being the First of January, in the year 1387. Charles, called the Noble, his Son succeeded him.

[Year of our Lord 1387] The Constable Clisson, and the Admiral John de Vienne, had so fill'd the King's Head with the expedition for England, that he makes another preparation to exe∣cute it this year. The state of Affairs was very favourable, all England was in com∣bustion against King Richard, because he had put mean and vile People into places of the highest Trust who bear all the sway, which his Uncles could not endure, nor indeed would they have the Power lodged in any other hands but their own.

Now when France was on the point of making advantage of these troubles, the Duke of Bretagne, either of intelligence with the English, or without thinking of them, was cause of interrupting the Enterprize this time, as it had been formerly. Clisson was then in Bretagne, to dispatch the Forces that were at Treguier, that they might go and joyn with those at Sluyce: but at the same time he was Treating of the Marriage of one of his Daughters, with John the Son of Charles de Blois, whom he had purposely got out of the hands of the English, where he had been detained ever since the time his Father Charles had left him there in hostage.

[Year of our Lord 1387] The Duke, not without cause, imagined that this Alliance was making with design to disturb him in the possession of his Dutchy. He sent for the Lords of the Coun∣trey of Vennes, under a pretence of holding a great Council. Clisson goes thither with his Train; after Dinner the Duke carrying him to see his Castle de l'Ermine, which he was building by the Sea-side; he caused him to be stopt in a Tower, and Beau∣manoir with him, and commanded Bavalan, who was Captain of the Castle, to throw them by night into the Sea.

The faithful disobedience of this good Servant, gave the Duke his Master time to repent his having given Command for the death of the Constable; and the in∣tercession of the Lord de Laval, who at the peril of his Life, would never forsake his Brother-in-law; drew him out of prison, upon condition of paying the sum of One hundred thousand Franks, and the surrendring of three Castles. But Clisson would not forgive as the Duke had forgiven; and the King taking this affront done

to his prime Officers much to heart, sent for the Duke to give an account of his actions.

[Year of our Lord 1388] The King went to Orleans expresly, the Duke having made them wait for him a long time, sent to be excused; Clisson pleaded his own Cause, accused him of Trea∣son, and threw down his gage of Battle, which no body took up. The Duke taking the advice of the Barons, came at length to Paris, and by the favour of the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy, was kindly received by the King, and in some measure, made friends with the Constable, by restoring him both his Money and his Castles.

[Year of our Lord 1387. and 88.]

That question so much debated, touching the conception of the Sacred Virgin Mother, was begun in the last age amongst the Professors of Divinity. The Jaco∣bins, according to the opinion of their St. Thomas, and their Albertus the Great, maintained, that she had not been exempt of the original stain. The Cordeliers their perpetual antagonists, took occasion upon this point to fall foul upon them, as if they did denigrate the Honour of the Mother of God. The common Peo∣ple, and such as were most zealous, applauded these last; and most part of the Prelates and the Universities adhered to them; but the Jacobins standing up too stifly against the Torrent, fell under the Peoples hatred, and the reputation of being Heretiques. One of their principal Doctors, named John de Moncon, for having Preached too freely on that point, was condemned solemnly by the Bishop of Paris, and then by the Pope himself, before whom he had brought his Appeal. Which was more, the University forbid them the Pulpit, and cut them off from their Body, to which they were not rejoyned till the year 1403. And in the mean time they were to undergoe the indignation of the Court, the shoutings of the common People, and which was worst, great necessity.

[Year of our Lord 1388] William the Son of the Earl of Juliers, and who was Duke of Guelders by his Mother, Daughter of Duke Renauld the I. of that name, had some contest or wrangle with the Duke of Burgundy, who supported the Dutchess of Brabant, whom he was to succeed in the detention of certain places of Guelders, which Renauld had otherwise engaged. Now because the Burgundian employed the Forces of France against him, this petit Duke, truly generous and magnanimous, but rash in this point had the confidence to declare* 1.60 a War against the King, who had twenty Lords in his Train more powerful and considerable then he.

His bold bragging did not last long, the King fell on a suddain upon the Countrey of Juliers. The Father much astonished disowns his Son, to turn away the storm, de∣mands Peace by the Arch-Bishop of Colens means, and offers his Homage. The Army therefore quits his Territory, and goes into that of Guelders; the young Duke per∣sists a month longer in his obstinacy. In the end the Duke of Burgundy perswades him to crave pardon. Being come to wait upon the King, he disowned his Challenge, though Sealed with his own Seal, and submits, and referrs the Disputes he had with the Dutchess of Brabant, to him; but did not renounce his Alliance with the English; nevertheless he was presented with such noble Gifts, as proved a temptation to the rest of the Germans, to engage them to the service of France.

The King had attained to the age of Twenty years, wherefore upon the Pro∣position which Peter Aisselin de Montaigu, Bishop of Laon, made in Council, he decla∣red that he would take the administration of the Government into his own hands, and that he discharged his Uncles, He kept the Duke of Orleans his Brother near him; the Author of this Counsel, and the Duke of Bourbon not suspected by this Duke, and one whose sinceriry was likely to give a fair prospect of good success to the Go∣vernment. The other two withdrew in discontent. The suddain death of the Cardi∣nal de Laon, which hapned soon after, was held in the opinion of many, for an ef∣fect of their resentment.

[Year of our Lord 1388] When the King first began to apply himself to take cognizance of his Affairs, the face of the whole Government looked with a better countenance for some little time. The King made choice of a new Council, wherein three Citizens, Bureau de la Riviere, John le Mercier Sieur de Novian, and John de Montaign had the best part. He after∣wards took off all the new Imposts, set aside the theeving Officers whom the Princes had put in, gave the Provostship which he had newly restor'd, to John Jouvenal the Advocate, an honest Man, Wise and Courageous; that of First President to Ouchard des Moulins, sent all the Prelats to reside on their Benefices; and to have time to heal the Kingdom, whose very Bowels were torn and mangled, made a Truce for three years with the English.

[Year of our Lord 1389] During this calme, he diverted himself with actions of pomp and ceremony; at St. Denis; the Knighthood of Lewis II. King of Sicilia, and Charles Earl of Mayne his Brother, with Turnaments and Tiltings very stately: after that the Funeral of Ber∣trand de Gueselin, at Melun, the Marriage of his Brother Lewis with Valentine, Daugh∣ter of John Galeazo Duke of Milan, and Earl de Vertus in Champagne; and at Paris in the Holy Chappel, the Coronation of the Queen his Wife.

The Marriage of Lewis his only Brother with Valentine, was in Treaty, Anno 1386. and consummate this year; she brought him in Dower Four hundred thousand Florins of Gold: the County of Ast to be enjoyed from that hour; and that of Vertus in Champagne after the death of the Father, with Rings and Jewels of an inestimable value. These huge sums enabled the young Prince to make great Purchases; These Acquisitions, and the greediness of his Wife inflamed his covetoufness, as his birth and quality, inspired him with pomp and magnificence. So that being possessed with two contrary passions, of getting and spending, he succeeded his Uncle the Duke of An∣jou, and even exceeded him in the unjust desire of pillaging the Kingdom, and snatch∣ing away the Goods of other People.

[Year of our Lord 1389] Upon the Popes intreaty the King made a journey to Avignon, where he was pre∣sent at the Coronation of Lewis of Anjou, by the Popes hands. From thence he went into Languedoc, where he took information of the Duke of Berry's exactions, of which he heard daily complaints. They punished this Prince in his Ministers, by ca∣sting out several of the worst Officers, and making the Process of John Betisac, prin∣cipal Counsellor and Minister of his violence. He was burnt alive for a crime against nature; and this was a Bon-fire to the People, whom he had most horribly vexed and abused.

From Toulouze the King went into the Countrey of Foix. Gaston Phebus received him magnificently, and having rendred him homage for his Countrey, intreated him that he would be his Heir; which was to deprive Matthew Vicount de Castelbon his Cousin-german by the Father, of his Succession, and get some share of it to fall up∣on his natural Son.

At his return he took away the Government of Languedoc from the Duke of Berry, and bestow'd it upon the Lord de Chevreuse; but five years after he restored it again to him, as he was going to make War upon the Duke of Bretagne.

A Second time the Duke of Bourbon, upon a request the Genoese made to the King, for his assistance against the Barbarians of Tunis, who by their continual Piracies, in∣terrupted all manner of Trade, fitted out a Fleet, wherein were Five hundred Men at Arms, all Knights or Esquires, and a great number of Cross-bow Men. Philip de Artois Earl of Eu, the Count de Harcour, the Admiral John de Vienne, Charles Sire d'Abret were Voluntiers; the Earl of Derby, Son to the Duke of Lancaster would needs be amongst them, with some Forces made up of his own Countrey-men. Being joyn∣ed with the Genoese, they laid Siege to the City of Carthage, at that time the Bul∣wark of the Kingdom of Tunis. The enterprize was greater then their Forces; at six weeks end they found themselves so disordered through the heats of the Climate, Labour and Wounds, that although they had gained a great Battle, yet they lost either their hopes or courage, and re-embarqu'd again: the Genoese only had the craft to take advantage of the King of Tunis, by a private Treaty for liberty to Traffique.

[Year of our Lord 1390] To continue the abatement of Imposts, they ought to have retrench'd their ex∣pences at Court, and the cupidity of the Ministers, but both of these rather increas∣ing then diminishing, their exactions were renewed. An honest Hermit the prece∣ding year came to the King, commanding him in the name of God, not to oppress his Subjects. The words and admonitions of this poor Man, contemptible in the eyes of the Court, having wrought no effect, Heaven it self would make use of a more powerful voice, and express'd it self in wrath. About the midst of July, while the Council were assembled at St. Germansen Laye, to settle some new Impositions, the King and Queen being the same instant at Mass, on a suddain there arose such a dreadful strom of Wind, Hail and Thunder, as almost beat the Castle about the ears of those evil Counsellors, and so terrify'd them, they durst not go forward with their projects.

The Turks made mighty progress in Europe; Sultan Amurat gained a bloody Battle in the Plains of Cosow, against the Kings of Servia, Bosina, and Bulgaria but he perished there; Bajazet his Son, Surnamed the Thunder-bolt succeeded him. About the same time Themir-lanc* 1.61 King of the Tartars raised himself to great power.

[Year of our Lord 1391] Lewis the Kings Brother, buys the County of Blois, and that of Dunois, or Cha∣steaudun, with some other Lands of Earl Guy, who had no Children. He likewise got of the King the Dutchy of Orleans, notwithstanding all the Remonstrances the Burghers of that City made, by the mouth of their Bishop.

The chief ground of the mortal feud between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, was their disputes for the Government. Having been raked up now for a while, this year it began to break forth anew. The Duke of Orleans pretended to the admini∣stration, as being nearest related, and arrived at the age of Twenty years: but the Estates being assembled at Paris, gave their opinion for the Duke of Burgundy.

Gaston Phebus Earl of Foix, who bare the name and devise of the Sun, and who was so renowned for his Victories, his Generosity, his Buildings, his Magnificence, and his Train and Equipage equal to that of a King, died suddenly as they were fil∣ling Water for him to wash his Hands before Supper, after his return from Hunting. He had made a Gift of his County to the King, who not desiring to be beneath him in generosity, returned it to his Bastard-Son.

From whence soe're it came, or whose fault soe're it was, the Treaty between the Duke of Bretagne and Clisson was broken. The Duke was infinitely troubled that France should support his Subject against him, and make a private Gentleman equal with him. The King sent for both of them to Court, the Duke far from coming thither, renewed his antient Alliances with England. Upon this day they dispatch [Year of our Lord 1391] the Duke of Berry, Peter de Navarre, and divers other Lords to him, to complain of the correspondence he held with strangers, his Coyning of Moneys, and making his Subjects give their Oaths to him, and against all others.

He imagined this stately Embassy was only to stir up his People, and was upon the point to seize on all of them as a pawn for his better security. His Wife having some hint of it, though she were great with Child, and at that time half undress'd, took up her Children in her Arms, found him out, and by the powerful influence and rhetorique of her Prayers and Tears, made him change his mind and resolution: She farther prevailed with him to go to Tours where the King was; but he came with Six hundred Gentlemen, and under the protection of the Duke of Burgundy his good Cousin. The King Treated him very civilly, and desired nothing more of him, but only that he would pay the remainder of the hundred thousand Franc's to the Consta∣ble, and give up some places to the Earl of Pontieure.

John Galeazo* 1.62 Viscount, had usurped the Seigneury of Milan upon Bernard his Uncle, whom he put to death in prison, and had deprived his Son Charles, and a Daughter married to Bernard, Brother to the Earl of Armagnac of his Succession. This Earl for his Brothers sake, and upon the intreaty of the Florentines and Bo∣lognians, whom Galeaze oppressed, marched into Lombardy to make War upon him. Being more courageous then he, he kept the Field some time; but being less craf∣ty, he fell into an Ambuscade near Alexandria, and was wounded to death; after which, his whole Army was dispersed, and dwindled to nothing.

[Year of our Lord 1392] The great desire the two Kings, Charles and Richard had, to joyn their Forces against the Turks, brought the Duke of Lancaster to a Conference with King Charles at Amiens, but the Propositions were so high on the English side, that the result at last was only a Truce for a year.

The more the authority of the Constable and his three dependants was confirm∣ed, the more grievous was their power to the People. The King's Uncles fretted, and grew enrag'd, the Clergy betraid by some of the Chief of their own Body, were on the brink of losing their immunities, had not the University, from whom they were also taking away all their Priviledges, bestirr'd themselves, and put a stop to all School-Exercises and Preaching. When they observed that all Foreigners went away from Paris, and that such an Interdiction made a great noise all over Europe, even those that had undertaken the ruine of that Body, would needs have the ho∣nour of procuring them an Audience of the King, who did them justice upon their Complaints.

The Support and Priviledges the Kings, ever since the time of Lewis the Gross, had granted to this famous University, the Mother of all the rest that are in Eu∣rope; the infinite numbers of Students that came thither from the remotest Coun∣treys, the strict adherence of the whole Clergy to them, to whom they were a Nursery and Seminary, and the Authority their Faculty of Divinty had acquired,

to judge of Doctrine, and Matters thereto relating, had rendred them so considera∣ble, that in times of confusion they were called to consult in all Affairs of Impor∣tance; if not, they took upon them to make Remonstrances, and knew how to oblige others to follow them.

[Year of our Lord 1392] Peter de Craon was notoriously guilty of the loss of Lewis Duke of Anjou his Lord, the Duke of Berry had threatned to have him hang'd for it; yet he was no less re∣garded at Court, where the splendor of Birth and Riches, easily covers baseness and crimes. It hapned that he fell into disgrace with the Duke of Orleans, he fan∣cied the Constable had done him that ill Office; he resolved upon revenge: and one Evening, the Thirteenth of June, as he was coming from the King, Assassinates him in St. Catherines street, being assisted by Twenty Russians whom he had gotten together in his House* 1.63 He alterwards easily escaped out of Paris, the Gates ha∣ving been always left open, ever since the Constable had caused them to be taken down upon his return from Flanders.

These wounds did not prove the death of the Constable, but they were the ruine of Craon. Three of the Murtherers being discover'd and taken, were beheaded, his Goods confiscated and given to the Duke of Orleans; his House turned into a Churchyard for St. John's in Greve, and his stately Seats in the Countrey demolish∣ed. He could save nothing but his Person, by flying to the Duke of Bretagne, who kept him carefully conceal'd. Some years after the King granted his Pardon, upon the request of the Duke of Orleans.

When the Constable began to recover of his wounds, both those that were his friends, and such as were no way concerned, called earnestly upon the King to punish this attempt. There was upon this, Command sent to the Duke to deliver up the Assassin, he denies him to be in that Countrey; the Ministers exasperate the King, and perswade him to march towards Bretagne to destroy the Duke. In vain did his Uncl••s urge that this was but a private quarrel, which ought to be legally determined by the ordinary ways and methods of Justice, and that it was against the common Rights of Mankind, to fall upon the Duke of Bretagne, before he was proved Guilty or Condemned; they could not alter that Resolution.

[Year of our Lord 1392] Marching in the Sun-shine and great heats of weather in August, his Brain alrea∣dy much weakned with the debauchery of his youth, was discomposed with black and noxious vapours. Two unexpected, but frightful objects, heightned and hast∣ned his phrensy. One day as he was going out of Manse, passing thorough a Wood, there came forth a tall black fellow, all weather-beaten and ragged, who laid hold of his Horses Bridle, bawling out, Stop King, Whither goest thou, thou art be∣tray'd, then vanish'd. Soon after a Page who carried a Lance sleeping on horse∣back, let it fall upon a Helmet which another carried before him. At this shrill noise, and the sight of the posture of the Lance, the Apparition or Fantasme, and its threatnings came fresh into his mind, his Fancy was disturbed, he imagines they were going to deliver him up to his enemy, and believed all those that were about him to be Traitors. This puts him into a violent fit of Fury, he runs, strikes, kills without Rime or Reason, till he fell into a Swoon. They carry him bound in a Chariot back to Manse.

Witchcrafts and Poysonings were so frequent in those days, that it was believed, his malady proceeded from some such Cause. The third day he recover'd his Sen∣ces, and by little and little his Strength (which was attributed to the publick Pray∣ers made for him,) but not the full vigor of his understanding. In this disorder his Uncle resumed the Government, conducted him back to Paris, seized upon the three Citizen Favourites, who having undergone three Months imprisonment, with the continual fear of being led to execution, as was threatned, were set at liberty by the Kings Command, who ordered the greatest part of their Goods to be restored: but declared them for ever incapable of holding any Office-Royal. The Constable was so fortunate as to make his escape to his own Countrey in Bretagne, where he most brave∣ly defended himself against the Duke, by the assistance of the Duke of Orleans and the rest of his friends. The Princes gave his Office to Philip of Artois Earl of Eu. All Offices being as then but Commissions, which were revocable.

[Year of our Lord 1390] Ʋrban the Pope of Rome died in the Month of October, Anno 1389. Boniface IX. succeeded him; this Pope shewed himself to be very much inclined to re-unite the Church, dispatched a* 1.64 Frier to Clement, to consult of some method to bring it about, Clement puts him in prison, but the University exclaimed so, that he released him.

Clament was therefore compell'd to feign, that he had a desire to put an end to that Schism. But when the University had declared, it was impossible to be effect∣ed without the renunciation of both Competitors, he and the Duke of Berry who took his part, highly broke off the Proposition. But they could never stop the mouth of that Mother of all Learning and Piety, from crying out against that scandal, which so afflicted the whole Church.

[Year of our Lord 1393] The 29th of January at the Nuptials of a Lady, belonging to the Queen, while the King and some young Lords were Dancing a Mascarade cloathed like Bears, the Duke of Orleans holding down a Flambeau to discover their Faces, set Fire to the Tow which was fastned upon the Bear-Skins with some kind of Glue. The Hall was in an instant fill'd with Flames, Shreeks, and the astonishment of all the Pre∣sence, they almost crouded themselves to death for haste to get out all together; some cryed aloud, Save the King; the Dutchess of Berry cover'd him with her Gown, which being clapp'd close about him, preserv'd him from that torrent of Fire; Three of those Masqueraders were most miserably broiled. The Parisians hated the Duke of Orleans to death for it, as if it had been a premeditated design, he durst not appear for several days; and to expiate that fault, he founded a Chappel at the Ce∣lestines.

This accident did somewhat discompose the Kings health, who was before it, pret∣ty well recover'd; however, the strength of his age and constitution, or the Vows and Pilgrimages he made in Person, as other devout People did for him, did again restore him to a better temper and state: insomuch as his Uncles having a Rendez∣vous at Lelinghan, between Ardres and Guisnes, to Treat about a Peace with the Crown of England, in whose behalf the Duke of Lancaster was commissioned; per∣swaded Lancaster to go to Abbeville, that the English might be satisfied how well he was. But he relapsed into his phrensie the Twentieth day of June, which held him till the Month of January following. They had recourse to Prayers, Fasting, Pro∣cessions, the ablest Physitians, then Mountebanks, and even to Magicians. All this was in vain, the distemper lasted as long as his life, not continually, but at several times and Fits, and still worse and worse, they drawing him into great debaucheries and disorders in his better intervals.

They did not know well whom to lay the blame upon; the Jews were for the Seventh time enjoyned to quit the Kingdom, or their Religion, and become Chri∣stians: some chose to forsake their Religion rather then that Countrey, others sold all they had and went away.

[Year of our Lord 1391] The University continued the pursute they had began, with mighty earnestness, the King being pleased with it, they held a great Assembly, wherein above Ten thou∣sand of their Members gave their Suffrages in Writing, which tended to bring the Popes to one of these three things, either a Cession, or a mutual promise of Arbi∣tration, or the Decision by a Council. And Nicholas de Clamengis, Batchelor in Divi∣nity, a Man very eloquent, was ordered to compose a Discourse to the King, in an Epistolary Form, to which receiving no favourable answer, they put a Second stop to all their Exercises.

[Year of our Lord 1393] The new Constable, for want of other employment, had leave of the King to go into Hungary to make War upon the Turks, who having withdrawn themselves, the Hungarians employ'd him against the Patarins, these were a kind of Sectaries that were esteemed Heretiques.

[Year of our Lord 1394] Upon the Remonstrances of considering and prudent People, who laid open the ill consequences of Gaming, ever attended with idleness, the ruine of the richest Fa∣milies, shirking, swearing, and even blasphemy: the Council set forth an Edict, [✚] prohibiting all sorts of sports, but that of the Long-Bow and Cross-Bows. The Courtiers, a very idle sort of People, and such as often neglect to acquire any other stock of virtuous knowledge, whereby to make better use of their spare hours, were concerned at this prohibition, as if it had been a business of great weight, and much to their prejudice, never leaving their intrigues, till they had got it to be repeal'd.

The free and bold Remonstrances of the University of Paris, being carried to Pope Clement, and read against his will by the Cardinals assembled, made him die through rage and displeasure. This news being brought to Court, the King wrote speedily to the Cardinals, to forbear the Election of a new Pope: but they guessing what his Letters imported before they open'd them, immediately proceeded and named Peter de Luna an Arragonian, who took the Name of Benedict* 1.65 XIII. Before this Election they took an Oath to labour all they could to heal up this Schism, and that whoever were chosen, should be obliged to lay it down again, if it were

judged necessary. Peter de Luna confirmed this Oath, and at the first shewed him∣self well inclined to do so.

[Year of our Lord 1394] Upon this ground the King called an Assembly of the Prelats of France in his Palace; who concluded all unanimously, that a Cession was the most certain, and [Year of our Lord 1395] the easie method. The Dukes of Orleans, of Berry, and of Burgundy, with Am∣bassadors from the King, and some Deputies from the University, went to Bennet at Avignon, to propound this expedient to him. Of his Fifteen Cardinals there was but one that withstood it; they therefore pressed him to condescend. He a voided it by a thousand wiles, and did so tire the Princes with his delays and evasions, that they returned again without obtaining any thing; and likewise without taking their leave; nevertheless he stopp'd their Mouths, and pacified them, by granting them power to raise another Tenth.

[Year of our Lord 1395] King Richard and his Uncles, Lancaster and Glocester, were in mortal jealousies of each other for the reasons above-mentioned. Richard desiring to strengthen himself against them, demanded the Kings Daughter Isabella in Marriage, aged but Seven years. This was agreed unto, with the prolongation of the Truce for Twenty eight years. The Marriage was performed by Proxy.

The King relapsed for the third time into his former distemper; Some days he ap∣peared to be quite stupify'd, at other times he would cry out as if they pricked him with a thousand Bodkins. He forgot his own quality and Name, and could not endure the sight of his Wife, but would suffer himself very patiently to be Go∣verned by the Dutchess of Orleans; for which reason the common people would needs be perswaded that Italian had bewitched him. Indeed the Duke her Husband had the reputation of seeking for, and conversing with Magicians. The less credu∣lous might well enough imagine, that she charmed the King with something that was a more natural spell, muck like to those wherewith the Duke Governed the Queens mind. However it were, fearing the foolish multitude should do her some mischief, her Husband sent her for a while to Chasteau-neuf upon the Loire.

[Year of our Lord 1396] In his best intervals, the King labour'd with all his might towards the re-union of the Church, using all his interest with the Christian Princes for that end. Divers Princes of Germany, the Kings of Hungary, Castille, Arragon, and Navarre, offer'd to joyn with him for the Cession; the English were for the having it to determin∣ed by a Council. Benedict flatter'd and soothed them all, and promised one thing to one, and the quite contrary to another; his greatest care and drift being to keep them from agreeing all together upon one method, or expedient.

[Year of our Lord 1396] The Gallican Church did not allow of Confessors to such as were condemned to suffer death by the Law; in this particular she followed the usage of the antient Ca∣nons, which did not admit to the Communion those that were branded with enor∣mous crimes. The Monk of St. Denis observes in this year, that Charles the VI. was the first that granted them this favour, and says, the honour of obtaining it, was attributed to Peter de Craon, because he set up a Cross of Stone nigh Montfaucon, where those poor wretches use to make a stop to be confessed. In those times they did not hang any criminal within their Cities, they would have been thought too much pol∣luted [✚] by that infamous execution, but they cut off their Heads. In many places they led the condemned persons on foot to the Gallows, and that before break of day.

[Year of our Lord 1396] The Seigneury of Genoa, rather then submit to the command of John Galeazo, Viscount of Milan, put themselves under obedience of the King, and transferr'd all the right of propriety they had to him. The Kings Commissioners left the Go∣vernment to the Doge or Duke, after he had first resigned his Power and Dignity in∣to their hands; but in a little time they gave that Command to Boucicaut.

The Factions in that Seigneury had very near destroyed and brought it to nought; The City was filled only with Robbers and Murtherers, the Noblest were banished thence, Merchants durst not open their Bank, those most in power made War up∣on each other from street to street, and had raised Towers at each corner of their Palaces, to defend themselves. The Mareschal desiring to settle some Order, and his own Authority amongst them, commanded they should bring all their Arms in∣to his Palace, forbad all Assemblies, cut off the Head of Boccanegra, and a dozen or fifteen more of the most Factious, made strict inquiry after such as had committed notorious crimes, raised and entertained several Companies that kept Guards in all the Markets and publique places, and built two Castles which had communication, with each other, the one named the Darse at the mouth of the Port, the other in the City, called the Chastelet.

[Year of our Lord 1396] The Twenty seventh of October was appointed for the stately and magnificent en∣terview of the two Kings upon the confines of their Territories, between Ardres and Calais, where they confirmed the Truce. The King of England espoused the Daughter of France, and rendred up Brest to the Duke of Bretagne, and Cherbourgh to the King of Navarre: who three years afterwards sold it to the King.

France having granted succors to the King of Hungary against Bajazeth, the Duke of Burgundy gave them John Earl of Nevers his Son to be their Leader. He had in his Army Two thousand Gentlemen of quality, besides the Earl of Eu Con∣stable, Admiral John de Nienne, John le Maingre-Boucicaut Mareschal of France, Hen∣ry and Philip, Sons of the Duke of Bar, Guy de la Trimouille his Fathers Favourite, and other Lords.

[Year of our Lord 1396] At first they performed such valiant acts, as are almost incredible, but their follies and dissolute lives, did after render them ridiculous to the very Turks. Besides, their presumption swoln by success, engaged them with the Hungarians in the Siege of Nicopolis, and then in a Battle the Twenty eighth of September, where the Hungari∣ans not caring to second them as they ought, they were all cut off, or taken prisoners. Bajazeth caused above Six hundred to be hewed in pieces, in presence of the Earl of Nevers; and having made him dye almost as often with his threats and terrors, he reserved him with Fifteen more of the great Lords, for whose Ransom he obli∣ged himself to pay Two hundred thousand Ducats. That sum being made good to them five Months afterwards, they were all set at liberty. The Earl of Nevers ar∣rived in France about the end of March following. It is said that Bajazeth was so far from taking any Oath, that he should never make War again upon the Turks, that he exhorted him to take his revenge, and promised he should ever find him in the Field ready to give him any satisfaction.

[Year of our Lord 1397] The King was seized with the Fourth Fit of his Malady more severely then all the former had been. He recover'd it again, but was ever after troubled with it, at least three or four times each year.

The Earl of Eu dying in his imprisonment amongst the Turks, the Earl de Sancerre who was a Marescal of France, was honoured with the Office of Constable.

[Year of our Lord 1397]

We must observe, the better to understand what we shall relate hereafter, that this year King Richard, for some conspiracy, whether real or pretended, put his Uncle the Duke of Gloucester to death, as also the Earl of Arundel, and divers other Lords; and banished the Earl of Derby Son to the Duke of Lancaster, who sheltred himself in France, and began to Reign very tyrannically.

The Emperour Wenceslaus, King of Bohemia took a fancy, for what reason I know not, to visit the Court of France; the King went to meet him as far as the City of Rheims; this was in the Month of March, and received him with as much magnifi∣cence as affection. That Prince shewed his brutality the very second day the King had invited him to Dinner; and when the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon went to fetch him from his own Lodgings, they found he was already drunk, and taking his Nap to re∣fresh himself, and digest his load of Wine.

Next day the King Treated him, the Entertainment and Mirth had lasted longer, if the King had not found a Fit coming upon him; which brought him back to Paris. He left the Duke of Orleance with him to keep him company, and confer with him about the means of putting an end to the Schism.

[Year of our Lord 1398] The Kings Council being weary of Bennets playing fast and loose, and daily disap∣pointments, did decree, according as they were advised, by a great Assembly of Bi∣shops, Abbots, and Deputies of the Universities, that the whole Kingdom should be subtracted from his Obedience, till he would condescend to the Session propounded▪ and that in the mean while the Gallican Church, conformable to her antient liberty should be governed by her Ordinaries, according to the Holy Canons.

Bennets Cardinals approved of this substraction, and forsook him, retiring them∣selves to the new Town of Avignon: but he stood it out, and having gotten some Arragonian Soldiers to serve him for a Guard, shut himself in the Palace of Avignon. The Mareschal Boucicaut had order from the King to besiege him there; he acquitted himself faithfully, and pent him up so close, that in a few days he would have been reduced to want of Provisions, when order came to him from Court to change the Siege into a Blockade, and suffer refreshments to be carried in. Bennets Artifice

and his Money had gained some of the Grandees who contrived this for him.

[Year of our Lord 1398] The Earl of Perigord, Archambauld Taleyrand, tormenting the Countrey with the help of the English, to whom he had ally'd himself, and especially the City of Peri∣gueux which belonged to the King, was forced in his Castle of Montagnac, brought to the Parliament and condemned to death. The King gave him pardon for his life, but bestowed his forfeited Estate upon the Duke of Orleans.

Archambauld de Grailly Captal de Buch, having a Right to the Earldom of Foix, as having married the Sister of Earl Matthew, dead without Children, got into pos∣session of it by the Sword. The King would not endure this, because he was a Vas∣sal [Year of our Lord 1399] to the English, and from Father to Son very affectionate to that party. He there∣fore sent the Mareschal de Sancerre, who pursued him so close, that he was compell'd to desire a Cessation, during which he came to the King, and submitted himself to the judgment of the Parliament, giving up in the mean time, his two Sons in Host∣age. The Parliament declared in his favour, conditionally he would relinquish the English; and the King put him in possession. This was in the year 1400.

[Year of our Lord 1399] Constantinople was invested by the Turks, and in the greatest danger; Pera which is as the Suburbs to it, and from whence they fetched all their Provisions, was very likely to be taken. It belonged to the Seignory of Genoa: the Mareschal de Boucicaut going thither with only Twelve hundred Men, secured it, and by consequence the City. After he had disengaged all the parts round about, and made the Turks re∣tire, whom he worsted in several Rencounters; his Pay, and Soldiers failing him, he came into France to sollicite for a greater reinforcement, bringing the Emperour along with him; leaving the Lord de Chasteaumoran in Constantinople to defend it.

[ 1399] The discords in the Court of England, caused by the ill Government of Richard, and the ambition of his Uncles, ended in a most Tragical Catastrophe. Henry Earl of Derby became Duke of Lancaster by the death of his Father, puts King Richard prisoner in the Tower of London, Deposed him by the Authority and Consent of Par∣liament, who degraded and condemned him to a perpetual imprisonment. Then he took the Crown the Eighteenth day of October, and was anointed with a Holy* 1.66 Oyl, which some English say, was brought by the Virgin Mary to St. Thomas of Canterbury, whilst he took refuge in France. This Ampoulle (or Bottle) that contains the Oyl, is of Lapis, and on the top stands a Golden Eagle enriched with Pearls and Diamonds. Notwithstanding this Unction, some while afterwards he gives way to the out-cries of the People, who demanded that the unfortunate King might be strangled. The London Citizens held Richard in execration, because he had deliver'd up Brest and Cherbourg to the French.

The Duke of Bretagne, who enjoy'd some repose, after the many traverses which [Year of our Lord 1399] had disturbed him from his Infancy, died the First day of November in the Castle of Nantes. He left his Children to the custody, not of his Wife Jean of Navarre, but of the Duke of Burgundy, and Oliver de Clisson, who alone were able to trouble them. He had three, John, Arthur, and Giles.

In the Month of November of this year 1399. a Comet was seen of an extra∣ordinary brightness, and darting its train towards the West. It appeared only for one weeks time, and was by Prognosticators, held as a sign of those great Revolu∣tions [Year of our Lord 1399] that hapned all Chistendom over, especially in the Kingdom of Naples, and the Empire.

Lewis of Anjou had peaceably enough enjoy'd the better part of the Kingdom of [Year of our Lord 1399] Sicilia, when Thomas de Sanseverin, Duke de Venousia, offended for that he did not conclude upon the Marriage of his Brother Charles, Earl of Mayne, with his Daugh∣ter, made him odious to the Neopolitans, and introduced Lancelot and his Mother in∣to the City, where he was Crowned King, and invested by the Pope of Rome. So that Lewis having only some Castles left, returned into France to crave assistance.

The Electors could no longer endure the Vices and brutish drunkenness of [Year of our Lord 1400] Wenceslaus, they degraded him, and in his stead elected Henry Duke of Brunswic, a generous Prince and great Captain; and this Henry being basely assassinated upon his return from the Diet, by the Count of Waldeck, they substituted Robert Duke of Bavaria, and Count Palatine, who was of the Electoral Colledge.

The Duke of Milan, fearing left he might dispossess him, shout up all the passages, and hindred him from going to take the Imperial Crown at Rome; and Sigismund

King of Bohemia, having procured himself to be chosen Guardian to Wenceslaus his Bro∣ther, under this Title made many of the German Princes of his party, who adhered to the House of Luxemburgh, or rather made this a colourable pretence to avoid the owning any Sovereign.

[Year of our Lord 1400] This year 1400. the Court of France received Emanuel II. Emperour of Greece, who came to give the King thanks for his assistance, and to crave more help of him. He met with all manner of good Entertainment, but nothing else, unless it were an annual Pension for his subsistence. He remained almost two years in France, at the and whereof, news being brought of the defeat, and taking of Bajazeth, by Themir-Lanc, the King lent him the Lord of Chasteaumorand with two hundred Men at Arms, and gave him a sum of Moneyto re-conduct him to Constantinople.

There was not any thing of advantage presented it self, which the Duke of Orle∣ans did not embrace with passion: he undertook the quarrel of degraded Wenceslaus, [Year of our Lord 1401] and raised a good force to restore him: but being informed of the ruine of his whole party, he came back again.

The desire to Rule, and ambition for Government grew hotter every day betwixt him and the Duke of Burgundy. Twice had they displaced each other from that ad∣vantageous Post; and besides, the Burgundian resented it highly, that the Duke of Orleans would have the Duke of Bretagne to be thrust out of all, who was his Wives Cousin-german, and his own surest friend. The frequent punctillo's between their Wives, exasperated them more than their own true interests; the Duke of Burgun∣dy's being the elder, Heiress of a vast Estate, and sprung from very Noble Blood, despising the other, who in truth had been much beneath her, had she not been con∣sidered as Wife of the Kings only Brother.

[Year of our Lord 1401. and 2.] The Duke of Orleans had then the upper hand, and was seized of the manage∣ment of Affairs; the Burgundian could not quit his part, both the one and the other got their friends together, and Paris was surrounded with Soldiers. The Orleannois had called in the Duke of Guelders with Five hundred Men at Arms, the Burgundi∣an was not weaker: but the Queen, the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon appearing as Mediators, reconciled the Uncle and the Nephew, at least to outward shew.

At that time the King was in his Fits; when he was recover'd, the Duke of Orleans obtained of him that when he was ill, he should have the Goverment of [Year of our Lord 1402] the Kingdom. He imprudently began it by new Imposts, which rendred him odious to the People.

Insomuch that the Burgundian being returned to Court, found his party strong enough in the Council to obtain the Government again. Soon after the King coming out of another Fit, gave order that they should Govern joyntly: but the Council, the Queen, and the other Princes and Lords, prayed him to recal it.

The Duke of Orleans went to take passession of the Dutchy of Luxemburgh; which he had purchased of Wenceslans King of Bohemia, and made an agreement between the Duke of Lorrain and the City of Mets.

As for the Duke of Burgundy he went into Bretagne, where he rendred a signal piece of Service to France. Jean de Navarre, the Widow of Duke John de Montfort was going to be married with Henry King of England, and was ready to have carried her three Daughters with her; the Duke prevented this, and having taken order to preserve the Dutchy for them, brought them to the Court of France, to be bred* 1.67 up in an affection to that Crown.

Bennet found means to make his escape out of the Palace of Avignon, bearing about him the Body of our Lord, and certain Letters from the King, in which he had made promise never to forsake him: Immediately his Cardinals were reconciled to him, the City craved his Pardon, and the King of Sicilia made him a visit. The Court of France was hugely divided about the business of the Substraction; the Dukes of Berry, Burgundy, and Bourbon, insisted to persevere therein; the Duke of Orleans on the contrary: The Clergy of France were assembled to decide it.

The King of Spain declared by his Ambassadours, that he would take it off. In a word, they bestirred themselves so with the King, that he restored the Kingdom to the Obedience of Bennet. All the Universities consented, even that of Paris at last, unless the Norman People who resisted a long while. And all this change was made upon the Duke of Orleans becoming security for Bennets good intentions: who after this, setled himself in Avignon, fortify'd it, and got some Soldiers into the City, and others quarter'd round the neighborhood, to maintain himself by power.

[Year of our Lord 1403] The Dukes of Orleans, Berry, and Burgundy disputed daily and contended daily for the Government: they agreed in no one thing, but the laying of new Imposts: they

had their shares all three, but the odium fell chiefly upon the first for this as well as for the Schism in the Church.

All the whole time of this Reign, poor France was beaten with divers rods of Affliction, sometimes with parching Droughts, then otherwhiles with Floods of Rain and Inundations of Rivers; sometimes with violent Storms and Tempests, often [Year of our Lord 1404] with contagious or epidemical Diseases. There hapned so great a Mortality at Paris, in the year 1399. that they were fain to forbid all great Meetings. This year another was so rife it carried off an infinite number. Philip Duke of Burgundy dyed of it at Halle in the Countrey of Brabant the Twenty seventh of April. His Heart was brought to St. Denis, his Body to the Chartreuse of Dijon, which he had built most magnificently.

This Prince, without being a King, had the greatest Estate in Lands of any in his Days; but his Magnificence, which we may say hath been Hereditary to the House of Burgundy, which yielded not for number of Officers, nor rich Furni∣ture, to that of the Royal Family, and the excessive expences he was at upon all occasions, had so much impoverish'd him, that his Wife renounced the Communi∣ty* 1.68 and laid down his Girdle, Keys, and Purse upon his Coffin as her surrender.

He had three Sons and four Daugters. Of his Sons, John had the Dutchy and the County of Burgundy, with Flanders, and Artois. Anthony was Duke of Brabant, Lo∣thier and Limbourg: Philip had the Earldoms of Nevers and Rhetel. Of the four Daughters. Marguerite espoused William, eldest Son of Albert, Duke of Bavaria, who was Son of the Emperour Lewis, and Earl of Haynault, Holland, and Zealand, and Lord of Friesland. From them came an only Daughter named Jacqueline, of whom we shall have many things to relate. Mary was wedded with Ame VIII. First Duke of Savoy, who afterwards was made Pope, under the name of Felix. Catharine was Wife of Leopold IV. Duke of Austria and Earl of Tyrol. Bonna died before she was Married.

[Year of our Lord 1404] It was now two years that the Duke of Bretagne's Children had been bred in the Court of France; this year the Eldest who succeded to the Dutchy (he was called John, and was the Sixth of that name)▪ went to take possession thereof, and shew∣ed himself a better Frenchman then his Father.

They were sensibly troubled in France for the death of King Richard; and they had used all their endeavours to turn that great affection the Cities of Bourdeaux and Bayonne had for Richard, into a hatred against his Murtherer; but they were so strictly tied to the English by their intercourse of Trade, they could not pervert them from their Interest and Obedience, nor gain the least of their ends upon them. And the Kings indisposition would not suffer them to venture to take a revenge for the Murther of his Son-in-law. There were none but the Duke of Orleans and Va∣leran Count de St. Pol, who had Married Richards Sister, that shewed any resentment. The First sent to defy Henry in very opprobrious terms, but received a sutable re∣turn. The Second after most outragious challenges and bravado's much above what was in his power to perform, besieged Mere by Land, from whence he was driven away most shamefully.

Henry had sent back Queen Isabella to her Father with her Portion and all her Jewels, and Truces had been made at divers seasons, but those were more punctually obser∣ved [Year of our Lord 1404] on the French side then by the English. For accordingly as Henry setled him∣self, he loosed the Reins of the Englishmens hatred, who committed many hostili∣ties by Sea and Land in Normandy, and in Guyenne. The Bretons and Normans did not leave them un-retaliated; as likewise at the same time the Constable Albert (he suc∣ceeded Lewis de Sancerre in that Office) cleared all the neighborhood of Bourdelois of a great many petty Castles, by means whereof they gathered great Contributions in the Countrey of Guyenne. The Earl de la Marche Son of the Duke of Bourbon, did as much in Limosin.

[Year of our Lord 1404] But this last by his too long delay, ruined that relief he should have carried to Clindon, a Prince of Wales who made War upon the English, and a very beneficial diversion for France.

Observe we hear a great mark of the power of University of Paris, as they were going in Procession to St. Catherine du Val, near the Hostel* 1.69 of Charles de Sa∣voisy, Chamberlain to the King; some of that Lords Domestique Servants quarrell'd with the Scholars, and coming insolently into the Church with their Swords drawn, committed great Outrage there. The University prosecuted this business with so [Year of our Lord 1404] much heat, that by a Sentence in Parliament, to whom the King referr'd it, three of Savoisy's Servants were whipp'd and banished, and his Hostel (or House) razed by

sound of Trumpet, excepting his Galleries, where on the Gate we have seen an In∣scription containing the Fact, which was obliterated when they rebuilt the House. It is now the Hostel de Lorrain.

[Year of our Lord 1404] The Treasury being quite exhausted by the Duke of Orleans, who was a gulph, that nothing could fill up, or supply fast enough, he called the Council together, to give Orders for some new Levies. John Duke of Burgundy who had taken his Fa∣thers place, opposed it publickly, and thereby gained the love of the Parisians. However, the plurality of Votes inducing him to a compliance with the rest, they laid new Impositions upon pretence of raising great Forces. The Princes had agreed to lock the Money up in one of the Towers belonging to the Palace, and no one was to touch a Penny of it without the knowledge and consent of all: the Duke of Orleans for all this Engagement, scrupled not to come one night with a strong hand, and take away the best part of it.

[Year of our Lord 1405] The Thirtieth of April, Lewis Dauphin of France and Duke of Guyenne, espous∣ed Marguerite Daughter of John Duke of Burgundy; and John's eldest Son (his name was Philip) was betrothed to Michelle the King's Daughter.

[Year of our Lord 1405] When Bennet was confirmed in the Papacy, he vexed the Clergy as he had done before, and would have Levied the Tenths: but he found the University in his way who put a stop to his Undertakings. In the mean time his Soldiers having consumed all his Silver, even his very Plate, the Duke of Orleans, because he had nothing else to give him, went to Avignon to press him in the behalf of the King, to labour for a re-union in the Church, as he had promised. For this purpose he sent a Legation to Boniface, where they set upon him with so many reasons to consent to the Abdi∣cation, that having nothing to reply, he fell sick and died upon it.

His Cardinals elected Cosmo Meliorat, who was called Innocent VII. He likewise ap∣pearing to be well enough inclined to some methods of accommodation; Bennet re∣solved to confer with him, promising himself to gain him by his skill, or by the strength of his genius, which was prevalent; Thus he went to Nice, and from thence passed in some Gallies to Genoa, being accompanied by Lewis II. King of Sicilia. * 1.70

They were scandaliz'd both at Court and in the City of Paris, at the too close [Year of our Lord 1405] union between the Duke of Orleans and the Queen, especially since the death of Philip the Hardy, whom she ever dreaded, and also, because they took the whole management of the Government to themselves, and oppressed and loaded the Kingdom with redoubled and violent exactions. The Queen they said, sent one part of it into Germany, and employ'd the other in all sor•••• of profusions, whilst the Kings Children were in a pitiful equipage, and himself was left to rot in his own ordure, without any care of undressing him, or exchanging his foul Linnen.

They were not only hated by the People, but the other Princes; the Dukes of Burgundy and Bretagne retired from Court. The King having a lucid interval, and understanding the reason of his Uncles absenting, and heard the general complaints against the Queen and his Brother, he thought it necessary to call a great Assembly, and sent for the Duke of Burgundy thither. This Duke thought it unfit to come, without bringing a good force along with him, as well for his own security, as be∣cause he knew the Queen and her Duke had a design to seize upon the Kings Children and prevent that double Alliance he would contract between his, and them.

Upon the noise of his arrival, the Queen and Duke take Alarm and with∣draw to Melun, having left order with Lewis of Bavaria, Brother to the Queen, to bring away the Dauphin, and even the Duke of Burgundy's Children, to the Ca∣stle of Pouilly. The Burgundian who was arrived at the Louver, gets upon his nim∣blest Horse, with a good guard of brave fellows, gallops thorough Paris without stop or stay, and made so much haste that he overtakes the Dauphin at Juvisy, and brings him back to Paris with his own consent, and in despite of the Bavarian.

[Year of our Lord 1405] This Rupture was followed with justifications on the Burgundians part, who gave his reasons for this action, in presence of the Kings Council and the University; as also for his reproaches, and the drawing of Soldiers together on either side. All Pa∣ris was in a perpetual Allarm, the Dukes of Berry and of Burgundy fortify'd them∣selves in their own Houses: the Duke of Orleans breathed Fire and Flames, and the Burgundian omitted nothing to gain the favour of the People. The Duke of Bour∣bon and the University labour'd in vain to make a reconciliation; the King of Sicily had as ill sucess: but at last the King of Navarre, and the Duke of Bourbon, after se∣veral goings and comings, brought it about, the two Princes embraced each other in Paris, and swore mutual friendship with their Tongues, but in their Hearts quite other things lay hid▪

[Year of our Lord 1406] England was in a bad condition, by reason of the Famine that pinched her, and the defeat they received by Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, who would revenge the death of King Richard. The Constable Albret and the Count d'Armagnac had ta∣ken, or by Intelligence and Money, got possession of above Threescore places in Guyenne. The Dukes of Orleans and Burgundy undertook to drive them totally out of France; the first by attaquing them in Guyenne, the other about Calais, to which he was to lay Siege.

The Duke of Orleans lost both his time and reputation before Blaye and before Bourgh: the Second after very great expences durst not approach near Calais. Thus neither reaped any thing but shame, and the Burgundian increased his hatred against the other, whom he accused of having spoiled his design, by craftily hindring the Levies of those sums of Money had been allotted for the payment of his Forces.

[Year of our Lord 1406] The valour of the Mareschal de Boucicaut encreased the power and reputation of the French, not only in Italy, but thorough all the Levant. The City of Famagousta be∣longed to the Seignory of Genoa, they having gained it from the King of Cyprus: that King had a design to recover it by force, and to this end had besieged it; the Ma∣reschal having armed himself to relieve it, the Grand Master of Rhodes undertook to make an acommodation.

[Year of our Lord 1406] Whilst they were in Treaty, the Mareschal employ'd his Arms against the Turks. After he had conducted the Emperour Manuel from Modon to Constantinople, he went and besieged the City of Scandeloro, which he took by assault. Then the Peace with Cyprus being made, he turned his designs towards the coasts of Syria, because he had War with the Sultan of Egypt, for some Merchants Goods, which that Barbarian had taken from the Genoese. The Venetians jealous of their prosperity, and watchful of the Mareschals actions, gave speedy notice by a nimble vessel to all the Ports up∣on that coasts: So that where ever he would have gon on shoar, he found them armed and well provided to receive him. Thus he missed Tripoly and Sayeta, but he took Baruc which he carried by storm.

This good success encreased the Venetians rage so much, that lying in wait for him upon his return, having discharged the greatest part of his Men and Ships, Charles Zeni who commanded their Gallies, set upon him without any War declar'd. How weak soever he was, he defended himself so stoutly that they could not force him; but they took three of his Gallies, wherein was Chastean Morand, and Thirty Kinghts of Note.

The mournful Letters these prisoners sent to the Court, because they knew the Ve∣netians never set any free whom they had taken, till the Peace was made, and their friends lamentations to the Princes and the Kings Council, wrought so much, that they sent to the Mareschal, not to revenge himself for this Treachery, but allow of those excuses the Venetians made. The Mareschal knowing they were contrary both to the Truth and his own Honour, published a Manifesto, directed to the Duke and to Zeni, relating the whole Fact in a quite different manner, giving them the Lye, and challenging them to a Combat, either One to One, or Ten against Ten, all Knights, or either of them in a single Galley; to which no answer was made.

[Year of our Lord 1406] The University of Paris did not desist from pursuing the re-union of the Church, and had in order to it, dispatched some Deputies to Rome to Innocent, but Bennet endeavour'd to break these measures by his intrigues in the Court of France. The Cardinal de Chalan his Envoye, was but ill receiv'd; yet he for a while hindred the Decree the Parliament were about to make against the University of Toulouze, who had embraced the defence of that Pope, and written Letters in his favour, injuri∣ous both to the King and his Council: but that of Paris addressing themselves to the King with as much zeal, obliged the Parliament at last to give Sentence; That the said Letters should be burnt at the Gates of Toulouze, Lyons, and Montpellier, and those that wrote them should be proceeded against. Notwithstanding theycould not ob∣tain that substraction so many times demanded.

[Year of our Lord 1406]

During these Transactions, Innocent the Pope of Rome dies, and his Cardinals elected Angelo Coraro a Venetian, called Gregory XII. but obliged him both by Oath and Writing, to abdicate the Papacy when Benedict would do the same, and to give notice of this condition to all Princes.

He at first comply'd with his Promises, and sent an Embassy to his Competitor for the Union. They agreed upon the City of Savonna for their Conference; all ne∣cessary Orders for their security, and for their conveniencies were issued out, and

the King omitted nothing that might be helpful, sending his Ambassadors to la∣bour in it, who were well received every where. But the two Anti-Popes, each on [Year of our Lord 1407] his part, sought difficulties and delays, denying to meet personally, and endeavour∣ing to put things off by a thousand tricks. Bennet shusfled a long time before he would give up his Abdication in Writing; Gregory yet longer about his security, and the way he should go. Sometimes he pretended he must go by Sea, another while it must be by Land, finding out most incomprehensible difficulties in adventuring either way.

[Year of our Lord 1407] The Duke of Burgundy, notwithstanding his feigned reconciliation which he dai∣ly coloured over with new marks of confidence, causes the Duke of Orleans to be assassinated. The executioner of this so abhorred a Fact, was a Norman Gentleman, named Rodolph d'Oquetonville, animated by a particular resentment, for that the Prince had put him out of an Office he held under the King. Upon the 23 or 24th of November in the night time, as the Duke returned from visiting the Queen, who was then in Child-bed, mounted upon a Mule, with only two or three Servants about him (he who had Six hundred Gentlemen his Pensioners) the Murtherer who wait∣ed for him in the Street called Barbette, accompanied with Ten or a Dozen more like himself, First gave him a blow with a Battle-axe, which cut off one hand, and then a Second, that cleft his Head in two; the rest likewise mangled him with di∣vers wounds, and left him lying in the Street. This done, they all saved themselves in the Duke of Burgundy's House, having strowed the way with Calthrops, and set fire to a House that they might not be pursued.

Upon the first noise of this Murther, the Burgundian put a good face upon it, and went to the Funeral of the deceased, bemoaned him, and wept for him: but it be∣ing mentioned in Council, that search should be made in all Princes Hostels for the murtherers; the horror of this crime did so confound him, that he took the Duke of Bourbou aside, and confessed to him that he was the Author of it. Afterwards being come to himself again, he went from thence, and the next day fled into Flanders with his Cut-throats.

His retreat with his threatnings, gave some apprehension that he would put the Kingdom into a flame; and every man feared the like treachery might fall upon his own Head. And for this reason, instead of prosecuting him, they sought by all mean toa ppease him. The Duke of Berry and the Duke of Anjou King of Sicilia, took a journey to Amiens to confer with him; he came to them well attended, his ill act leaving him no security but force, and promised to return to Paris, and justify himself before the King, provided they kept no Guards at the City Gates.

[Year of our Lord 1407] In the interim the Dutchess of Orleans, who was at Blois when her Husband was murthered, came to Paris with her Sons, she had three, Charles, Philip, and John, the eldest was not above Fourteen years old, to make her complaints to the King. He gave her the Guardianship of her Children, but durst not promise to do her ju∣stice, for fear of over-turning his Kingdom. The disconsolate Widow knowing therefore that her Husbands murtherer was returning, retired with her young ones to Blois.

[Year of our Lord 1408] According to his word, the Duke of Burgundy came to Paris towards the end of February, at the head of Eight hundred Gentlemen, all armed from Head to Foot, only they did not put their Helmets on. The Queen and Princes received him with all the demonstrations of confidence; but they could not prevail with him to own the murther of the Duke of Orleans publickly: He gave Commission for it to a Cor∣delier, named John Petit, Doctor in Divinity, his Orator,* 1.71 and obtained Audience for him in the Great Hall of the Hostel de St. Pol.

This mercinary Divine endeavour'd in presence of the Princes and Council to make it appear, That the Duke of Orleans had been a Tyrant every way, that he was guilty of the crime de Laesae Majestatis, both Divine and Humane; That he had once bewitched the King, another time had conspired to kill him, and another to have him Deposed by the Pope: That therefore his death was just and necessary. It was not the Monks Harangue, but necessity and danger that perswaded the Council. They gave him an Act in Writing that abolished this crime, and in appearance re∣conciled him with the Queen.

The King desired to put an end to the collusion of the Anti-Popes; he resolved to publish an Order for Substraction the Fifteenth of May. In the mean time Pope Be∣nedict having intelligence of it, sent his Bulls to Paris; forbidding him to do so upon [Year of our Lord 1408] pain of Excommunication. Those that brought them, to wit, Sancho Lupi, and a Ri∣der belonging to the Popes Stable, having delivered them to the King, and the

Duke of Berry the Fourteenth of May, were immediately seized on. The Council sate three days, to consider what was to be done; having heard the Opinions and Remon∣strances of the University, the King caused a Pen-knife to be stuck into the Bulls, which the Rector of the University afterwards cut in pieces.

[Year of our Lord 1408] The Substraction was after this published, and then those that brought the Bulls, were tryed by Commissioners. Their Sentence was severe, they were drawn on a Sledge twice about the Palace-yard, then mounted upon a Scaffold, where being adorn∣ed with Paper Miters, and clothed with long painted Vests, after the Dalmatian fa∣shion; upon which Benedicts Arms were fastned; they were severely reproached by a Doctor, and after led back to their prison. Divers Prelats and Clergy-men that si∣ded with him, were likewise sent to Goal.

Upon this news the two Popes who pretended to be going to Savona, fled each his several way, Benedict into Catalogna, in a Galley; and Gregory by Land to Sienna, both of them forsaken by their Cardinals.

When the Burgundian was again returned to Artois, the Dutchess of Orleans, sup∣ported by the Queen, who had Cantonized her self at Melun, came to intreat the King that he would hear her Orator (this was the Abbot of St. Denis) in justifica∣tion of the memory of her Husband, and reparation for his death. They gave him Audience in the Castle of the Louvre, the King, the Queen, and Princes of the Blood being at the Council. After this Harangue of the Widows Orator, there [Year of our Lord 1408] were divers Assemblies held, with more animosity, then zeal for Justice, where in sine the Burgundian, notwithstanding his Act of Abolition, was declared an enemy to the State; and it was ordered that Forces should be sent to fall upon him on every side, and that all the ways should be strongly guarded to keep both him and all others from coming near the King.

He was at that instant at L'Isle in Flanders, arming himself to restore John of Ba∣varia his Wives Brother, to the Bishoprick of Liege. This false Prelate, who had no∣thing but the vain Spirit of the World, deferring to take Holy Orders, gave occa∣sion to the Liegois, to turn him out of the Episcopal See, and to put in Thierry, one of the Lord de Perruveys sons, whose Original was from the House of Brabant. They were not satisfy'd with having driven him out of their City, but besieged him in Mae∣stricht, and had kept him blocked up for four Months. When they had notice that the Burgundian had taken the Field, they raised the Siege and retired, but those haughty and rude People, hearing that he had iu all but Sixteen thousand Men, forced the Lord de Perruveys to seek him out, and give him Battle.

They were three to one, yet were they routed and cut in pieces, Perruvey and his two Sons, and Thirty thousand Liegois lay dead upon the place: they had no quar∣ter given them, the Bishop, rather a Tyger then a Shepherd, could not have Blood enough to satisfy his cruel Thirst. Their submission did not appease his sanguinary Rage: when he was setled, he fell not only upon the guilty and the ring-leaders, but upon Women and Children, Priests and Religious Votaries: There was nothing else to be seen round about Liege, and those other Cities that were Dependencies, but Forrests of Wheels and Gibbets, and the Meuse was choaked up with the multi∣tude of their wretched Carkasses, thrown into that River, bound two and two to∣gether. From hence began that implacable hatred of the Liegois against the House of Burgundy,

Had the Duke been worsted in that Battle, all the Orleanois party were ready to have run open mouth upon him: when they had received this news, they found more cause to consult their own safety, then his ruine. The Queen did not believe her self secure in Paris; She departed thence the Thirteenth of November, being attended by the Duke of Bretagne her Son-in-law, and took the King with her to Tours.

[Year of our Lord 1408] The Duke informed of all particulars by the Parisians, soon got to Paris with Four thousand Horse, and Two thousand Foot mounted behind them; they recei∣ved him with great joyfulness, and sent some Deputies to the King to desire he would return. William Earl of Holland proffers to endeavour an accommodation: A Second Peace was Treated on between both parties, which being well advanced, the Widow of Orleans, a haughty and vindicative Princess, died with grief and an∣ger the 4th of December.

The Orphans were forced to consent to a reconciliation with him that had murther∣ed their Father. It was concluded in the City of Chartres about the end of the month of March. The King with the Queen, and the Princes being on a Scaffold in the Great Church, but pallisado'd round about to hinder the People from seeing what they did; the Burgundian fell on his knees before the King, and pray'd him by the

Mouth of his Advocate, and afterwards with his own to lay aside his anger, and re∣ceive him into his Favour: but touching the Murther, he expressed himself thus, That he was ready to justifie himself. The Princes that were present, kneeled likewise, and joyned their Requests to his. Then addressing himself to the Princes of Orleans, he desired them to forget what was past, and harbour no revenge in their hearts. Af∣ter this, they made them embrace and promise amity to each other: and for a far∣ther tye toma ke this agreement sure, they stipulated the Marriage of a Daughter of the Burgundians, with Philip Count de Vertus, the Second of the Three Brothers.

[Year of our Lord 1409] The Peace concluded, the King returned to Paris, and the Burgundian to the Low-Countreys. From whence, coming again about the month of July, he took the whole Government upon him; and to give some satisfaction to the People, whose affection he had gained, in shewing his dislike against Taxes; he caused the Council to call the Financiers to Examination and Account. The most of them got off for Money, but it cost John de Montaigu his Life, who had been Sur-* 1.72 Indtendant.

He was a man of mean birth, Son of a Citizen of Paris, whom the Kings favour, without any great desert of his, had raised to the Office of Grand Maistre of his House, and his Brothers, one to the Arch-Bishoprick of Sens, the other to that of Paris. His immense Riches, which never are acquired without crime, did blind this little fel∣low, and drew the eyes of all great Men upon him; insomuch as he bad married his Son to a Daughter of the Constable d'Albret, and his Daughters to the greatest Lords of the Kingdom.

Though he had been very serviceable in negotiating the Treaty of Chartres; ne∣vertheless the Duke of Burgundy and the King of Navarre conspired his destruction, because he had given the advice to carry the King to Tours. They caused him to be accused of divers hainous crimes, taking their opportunity, when the King, who lo∣ved him, was in one of his Fits of Folly, he was Arrested by Peter des Essards, Pro∣vost of Paris, examined by Commissioners of Parliament, and cruelly tormented on the Rack. His sufferings could not draw one word from him; however, his Head was chopt off at the* 1.73 Halles. At his death he freely of his own accord, confessed his depredation of the Kings Treasure, which in it self contains all the greatest crimes. The Trunk of his Body was hanged on a Gibbet, his Head planted upon a high Pole.

Afterwards the Vicount de Lionnois had interest enough to re-abilitate his memory, and having caused the Body to be taken from Montfaucon, with an honourable convoy, or attendance of Priests, and Torches, carried it to the Celestines Church at Mar∣coussy, which he had founded.

[Year of our Lord 1409] At this examination of the Officers, it was ordered that all the Receivers should Account before the Earls de la Marche, de Vendosme, and de St. Pol, and that till the had so done, nothing should be allowed without Receipts and Vouchers. The Trea∣surers were likewise all put out, and the management thereof was given to some Ci∣tizens, who were esteemed rich and less interessed.

Thus the Princes strove to gain the affection of that Queen of Cities. For the same reason they renewed all their former Priviledges, and the Provostship of Marchants, of which they had till now only given them the keeping; and they also granted them, (but to such only as were Natives) the priviledge of holding Fiefs with the same Franchise as any Gentleman.

The Kings sorrow was very great, when upon his recovery he heard of the death of Montaigu, whom he had tenderly loved. But there being no way to recall things past, he would consider of what was to come. Having therefore assembled the Gran∣dees of the Kingdom, he told them, that he desired when he was at any time ill, the Queen should take cognisance of Affairs; and upon her default, the Dauphin Duke of Guyenne, whom he discharged from being under the conduct of his Mother, but would that he should Govern with the Councils of the Dukes of Berry and of Bur∣gundy. This last usurped all the Authority,

[Year of our Lord 1409] Whilst the Mareschal de Boucicaut was gone to Milan to receive that State under the Kings Protection and Government, (for John Galeazo chose this, rather then that of the Marquis de Montferrat, and Facin Can de l'Escale, who had halfe subdu∣ed it) the Marquiss to prevent him in it, had caused the Genoese to rise up in Arms, by means of the Gibbeline party. They massacred all the French within their City, forced the Cittadel, and called him in to be their Lord; but soon after they threw him out as they had done Boucicaut.

[Year of our Lord 1409]

Maugre the fulminations of the two Anti-Popes, Maugre the Councils each of them had called, Gregory in the Patriarchat of Aquilea, and Benedict at Perpignan: that Assembly which the Cardinals of both parties had summoned, was open'd at Pisa the Five and twentieth of March. The Anti-Popes having been cited to ap∣pear there, and all the Forms observed, the Substraction was first order'd, then they declared Schismatiques and Hereticks, and Faculty given to the Cardinals to elect another. Their Suffrages agreed in favour of Cardinal Peter Philargi, called of Candia, because a Native of that place. He was named Alexander V.

During the Schism, Ladislaus King of Naples, had seized upon Rome, and the Lands of the Church; which was the cause why the Council, and the new Pope Alexander, more willingly invested Lewis of Anjou with that Kingdom, and gave him the Com∣mand [Year of our Lord 1409] of Lieutenant-General of the Church. In the beginning he had good suc∣cess, regained all the places that Ladislaus had usurped, and drove him out of Rome: but the end was not alike.

[Year of our Lord 1410]

The Eighteenth of May, or according to others, the First of June, the Empe∣rour* 1.74 Robert dyed at Oppenheim in Bavaria. The Electors divided into two parties, whereof one elected Sigismund de Luximbourgh, King of Hungary; the other his Cousin Josse, Marquis of Moravia. This last dying soon after, all the Suffrages joyned for Sigismund.

Alexander V. had been a Cordelier Frier, upon this consideration, he granted a [Year of our Lord 1410] new Priviledge to the Four Orders of Mendicants, to Administer all the Sacra∣ments in the Parishes, and receive the Tythes, i•• they were bestow'd on them. The University of Paris much offended at this Novelty, retrenched all these Orders from their Body, unless they would renounce this Bull. The Jacobins, &c..... and Carmelites, who found themselves feeble, obey'd this Decree. The Corde∣liers and the Augustins remaining refractory, were deprived of the Pulpit and Con∣fessional, of which the Jacobins made advantage, as the Cordeliers had done up∣on their being in disgrace. Pope John XXIII. revoked all these Priviledges, and reduced all things to the same condition they were in before.

We find amongst Historians, that in these times there were many bloody Battles fought betwixt Birds of all sorts, even amongst the smallest, as Sparrows, and amongst the domestique ones, which proceeded from certain minute Bodies spread in the Air, which pricked, and irritated them in such measure, as provoked and [Year of our Lord 1410] pushed them on to discharge their anger upon one another. This year 1410. in the Countrey of Hainault, the Storks were observed to League with the Hernes and Pyes, and give battle to the Ravens, who in their Flocks had Rooks and Choughs; the Storks gained the Victory. In the Countrey of Liege in like manner some Crows or Ravens having insulted over a Faulcon, breaking the Eggs in its Airy; the next day were to be seen in that very place, a vast quantity of Birds of both those kinds, who fought most obstinately, till the Crows betook themselves to flight, after a very great slaughter of their Forces.

It was wisely Counsell'd, whereby to lay asleep all discords, to employ all the For∣ces of France in a War upon the English, under that specious pretence of revenging the death of King Richard II. The Nobless went about it with much resolution; but the envy which other Princes had against the greatness of the Burgundian, who sate at the Helme, broke off this design.

[Year of our Lord 1410] At the end of August, the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon having made a League at Gyen with the House of Orleans, and with the Duke of Bretagne, the Earls of Alenson, Clermont, and Armagnac, who were all his friends, or picqued against the Burgun∣dian, sent to make their demands of the King. Every one armed himself, the King might command them to lay down their Arms, but it was in vain, for they went on with their Levies. The Burgundian having to little purpose proffer'd them Peace, made use of the Kings Authority to summon the Arriere-ban, puts Ten thousand Men into Paris. The Duke of Berry, and the Princes lodged themselves at the Ca∣stle of Wicestre, and began to make the War.

The neighbouring parts round that City were eaten up by Two hundred thou∣sand hungry Soldiers. About the end of November, when all the Provisions were con∣sumed, necessity compell'd both parties to come to an agreement. It was Articled, that the Duke of Burgundy should go out of Paris, and that the Duke of Berry should not go in; That those two Princes should name some Lords that should take care for

them of the Government and the Dauphin's Person; That the King sho u l d chu Council of Twelve Persons not suspected, whose Names he should communicate to them. That all the Princes should withdraw with their Forces, and that none of them should return near the King, unless he were commanded by Letters under the Great Seal, and written in Council.

[Year of our Lord 1411] The Burgundian obey'd with sincerity, and retir'd forthwith; but the Duke of Or∣leans with those of his party, began immediately to make new Levies. The Queen and the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeared as Neuters, and offer'd to be Mediators. The King spake 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Master, and Commanded them to disarm; the Burgundian lay quiet, and re∣mained in Obedience, but the Orleannois with his Sword in hand, demanded Justice for the death of his Father. After many Letters, and fruitless Negotiations, he sent a very biting Cartel* 1.75 to the Burgundian, who answered in the same stile. Their Challenges were in the month of August.

[Year of our Lord 1411] The King had ordained the Queen and the Duke of Berry, who were at Melun, to labour for a Peace, and sent thither Persons that were Notables of the Clergy, the Nobility, the Parliament, and the University, the better to Authorize what they should conclude therein; but their design was only to pillage Paris, and deliver them∣selves to the Orleannois. The Parisians having timely notice, demanded the Count de St. Pol might be their Governour: It was agreed to, but instead of strengthening himself with good honest Citizens, he furnishes himself with Rascals, and raises a Company of Five hundred Butchers, Commanded by the Goix, the Kings Butchers, who committing a thousand insolencies, obliged a great many good Citizens to re∣tire elsewhere.

France then divided her self in two Factions, the one the Orleannois, vulgarly na∣med Armagnac's, from the Count of Armagnac, one of their principal Chiefs; they carried a White Bend, and a* 1.76 Cross with Right Angles: and the other the Burgundians, who bare the St. Andrew's Cross. The best of the Citi∣zens of Paris inclined towards the First, the Populace towards the Second. From thence proceeded so many Murthers, plunderings, and Proscriptions, accord∣ing as the success varied on either side.

[Year of our Lord 1412] The Burgundian party was then the strongest, having the King, the Dauphin, Duke of Guyenne, and the City of Paris on that side; so that they displaced the Prevost des Marchands, and imprisoned and banished divers of the contrary party.

In the mean time the Forces under the Duke of Orleans plundered Picardy, and he seized upon Montlehery. Upon this they perswaded the Duke of Guyenne to oblige the King to recall the Burgundian to his assistance. This Duke embraced the oppor∣tunity, enters into Picardy with Sixty thousand Men, besieged and forced Ham; but he could go no further. The contest about the plunder of that City, begot a mor∣tal dissention between the Picards and the Flemmings, wherewith his Army was made up; insomuch as the Duke of Orleans approaching with his, the Picards forsook him, the Flemmings withdrew, and he, though much against his Will, with them.

The greediness with which the party Orleannois gaped for the plunder and spoil of Paris, hindred them from pursuing and destroying the Burgundian. They marched immediately to block up this great City, made themselves Masters of St. Denis by a Siege, of the Tower of St Cloud, by the Treachery of him that Commanded it, and fired the Houses of such Citizens as were not of their Faction. In retribution, the Company of Butchers went and burnt the Castle of Wicestre, which belonged to the Duke of Berry.

[Year of our Lord 1412] The Orleannois thought themselves so very sure of the taking of Paris, that they had already agreed upon their shares in the spoil. But now the Burgundian returns with a relief of English, pierces thorough the midst of their Forces, and the Thir∣tieth of October is received into the City, as the deliverer of the Kingdom. Then their party declines, St. Cloud is forced out of their hands, with the loss of above Nine hundred Gentlemen; they raise their Blockade, and having drawn all their Men together at St. Denis, retreat in disorder over the Bridges they had laid upon the Seine.

[Year of our Lord 1412] All the misfortunes that attend a routed party fell upon these. The victorious Burgundian causes them to be excommunicate and proscribed, gives them chace every where, puts their Goods to sale by out-cry, imprisons all their Friends and Servants, displaces the Constable Albret, John de Hangest Hugueville, Grand Master of the Cross-Bow-Men, and the Sire de Rieux, Mareschal, to give their places to the Count de St. Pol, the Lord de Rambures, and Lewis de Longny his partisans. All the neigh∣bouring Cities about Paris enter into the same interests; Orleans alone remains of

the side of her Princes. The other places, and of such as followed them, are forced to abandon them; even Guyenne and Languedoc submit, and renounce the Govern∣ment of the Duke of Berry.

[Year of our Lord 1412] That party being reduced to dispair, and finding themselves ruined even in those Provinces of the Kingdom where they had been strongest; makes an Alliance with the English, but upon Conditions very prejudicial to France. The King being again restored to his health, and finding this Treaty was agreed upon, vowed their ••e∣struction as the greatest of his enemies. After he had been at St. Denis, and set up the Standard of the Oriflamme, which never was display'd but against the publique enemy, and against Insidels, he went in Person to besiege the Duke of Berry in the City of Bourges (this was in June) and marched with so much eagerness, that he did not stop one day in all that march, although he received a kick on his Leg from one of his Horses. In the mean time his other Commanders made War upon the Or∣leannois in several other parts.

There were too many brave Men in the Town, and too much Division and Trea∣chery in his own Army to gain it easily. The Siege drawing out in length, Sickness invades his Forces, and constrained him to grant a Peace to the Princes. The English who landed at the same time in Normandy, under the conduct of Thomas Duke of Lancaster, the Kings Brother, to assist them, made themselves formidable to both parties; the dread they had, made them hasten the execution of the Treaty. But the Duke of Orleans who had called them in, was obliged to satisfy them at his own ex∣pence and gave them his Brother John Earl of Angoulesme for hostage.

[Year of our Lord 1412] The Treaty having been confirmed at Auxerre, they carried the King, whom they found to be falling again into his distemper, to Melun, and from thence when he was grown better, to Paris. He made his entrance in great pomp, together with the Queen and the Dauphin, and caused the Peace to be proclaimed, to the unspeakable joy of the People.

[Year of our Lord 1413. in January.] The University and the honest Citizens of Paris, the only Members of the State that were not utterly corrupted, observing that the Grandees and such as were in Office, desired no other but to continue those troubles, that they might fleece the People: And that besides, unless it were prevented, the English had undertaken to conquer Guyenne, perswaded the King, who ever intended well, to labour towards the Reformation of his Kingdom, that so he might be the better enabled to resist them.

For which purpose he calls an Assembly of Notables at Paris, towards the latter end of January. The University thoroughly noted all disorders in the administra∣tion of the Revenue, in Courts of Justice, the Chancery, the choice of Officers, and the Mint; such as were guilty were not spared, not even the Chancellour Arnand de Corbie, who was accused of Concussion.

There were Commissioners chosen of all the Orders, to reform the State in all these particulars; but neither the Princes, nor others that were in power, could endure to be obliged to be honest, they must have lost too much by it; especially [☞] those that were about the Dauphin Duke of Guyenne.

This young Prince, aged but Sixteen years, was fantastical, inconstant, and de∣bauched; Besides, they bred him up in all manner of Licentiousness and disorder,

as Gaming, Women, Feasting, and dissolute Dancing; and worse yet, in Maxims of irregular Government; very proper indeed for such a life as he would lead; for to enable ones self to commit all Licentiousness, a Man must set himself above all Laws.

[Year of our Lord 1413] These People put it into his Head, that to be absolute Master of France, Paris must be quell'd, and the Citizens disarmed, whom he might afterwards load with Taxes, even as he pleased. It was therefore by their advice, that he seized upon the Castle of the Bastille, by the means of Peter des Essards. The Burghers took the Allarm, the Burgundian under-hand exasperates the People, and incites his Compa∣nies of Butchers. He gets together Ten or Twelve thousand Men, who having a Chyrurgeon at the head of them, named John de Troyes, ran all about the streets; one part of them surrounds the Bastille, the rest went and planted their City-banner before the House of the Duke of Guyenne. He shews himself at the Window to ap∣pease those furies, John de Troyes lets him understand that they came thither to take away those from about him, who mischievously corrupted his youth. The Chancel∣lour having desired they would name them, they delivered him a List of them, where∣in he found his own Name to be the very first, and forced him to read it aloud twice over.

At the same instant they beat open the Gates, search every where, and carry a∣way above twenty Persons, of whom were the Duke of Bar, Cousin-german to the King, John de Vailly Chancellour to the Duke, James de la Riuiere his Chamberlain, whom they led Prisoners to the Louvre. The next day Peter des Essards surrenders the Bastille, and himself to the Duke of Burgundy, who kept him very strictly in the Chastelet, because he had been accused of a design, to have carried away the King and the Duke of Guyenne.

The University refused to joyn with those Factious people; the Princes of the Blood detested such attemps; but they were glad in their hearts, that the Duke of Guyenne had met with such correction.

In the beginning of May, the Factious bethought them of making White Hoods* 1.77, they carried some to that Prince, and John de Troyes usher'd in the Fince present with a very rude Remonstrance. A Doctor of Divinity, named Eustatious de Pavilly, a Re∣ligious Carmelite, being their Mouth, very freely told him of his extravagant man∣ner [Year of our Lord 1413] of life. He scrupled not to say, that the misfortunes of the King his Father, and of the Duke of Orleance, was a punishment due for their Debaucheries; And added likewise, that if he did not suddenly change, he would render himself un∣worthy of the Crown, and give just occasion to transfer his Birthright to his Bro∣ther. Which he urged with the more confidence, because the Queen had often menaced him in the same manner.

He would very sain have freed himself out of the hands of these impertinent Pe∣dagogues, but the doors were to well guarded, the People being Masters. One day as the King was going to Noster-Dame, John de Troyes obliged him to put on a white Hood. Two days after he came to the Hostel de Saint Pol, justified before the King, by his Spokesman de Pavilly, the imprisonment of the Duke de Guyennes Servants, and named many others yet that were to be rooted out; then Addressing himself to the Duke of Guyenne, demanded him to deliver them up.

Whatever Intreaties he could made, they took away a great many more; not only Private Gentlemen, but likewise Lewis of Bavaria the Queens Brother, several Ladies that belonged to her, to the Dutchess of Guyenne, and to the Countess of Charolois, whom they accused as Instruments of the most pernicious Intrigues, and dissolute Actions at Court.

[Year of our Lord 1413] It was not without ground that they accused the Burgundian of bringing Fuel to maintain this scroching Fire of Sedition, though in effect he could not govern their hot Heads as he would. In the mean while all were forced to give way to this Tor∣rent. The King was forced to consent they should bring their Prisoners upon their Trail, to go to Parliament in his white Hood, and publish certain Ordinances for reforming some abuses touching his Revenue, displace Arnaud de Corbie his Chan∣cellor, who surrendred the Seal to Eustace de Laitre his Son-in-Law, and to deliver up to Execution an Esquire belonging to the Duke of Guyenne, and Peter des Essards, whose Heads were cut off.

James de la Riviere Chamberlain to the said Duke, rather then undergo so great ignominy, beat out his own Brains with a large drinking Bowle, or else was kill'd in Prison by Helion Jaqueville a Captain of Paris: but however it hapned, they dragg'd him to the Gallows as one that had despair'd and Murther'd himself.

So violent a Government could not last long. The Duke of Guyenne privately agreed with the Leagued Princes; they made use of the Kings name, and a pretence of confirming the Peace of Chartres, which was not fully executed, to enter upon a Conference with them at Vernevil. Their Deputies being come to the King at Paris, [Year of our Lord 1413] the Seditious often broke up their Assembles where they were Treating about the Peace: but yet could not by all their art or insolent rudeness prevent so good a work from going on.

To attain their ends, an Enterview was propounded between the Duke of Berry and the Duke of Burgundy, then a Conference concerning the other Princes at Pon∣toise by Deputies. All that were foundest and Wisest, the University the Parlia∣ment, and the honest Citizens, inclined to Peace, the Burgundian had but little stomach to it, as promising but slender advantage to him: however it was concluded at Pontoise the first day of August; and the King agreed the Princes should come and [Year of our Lord 1413] Congratulate him in Paris.

This being so setled, the Duke of Guyenne puts himself in Arms at the head of the honest Citizens, and having gotten together above Thirty thousand Men well sitted, marched through the Streets. The Chiefs of the Factious who held the Bastille, the Louvre, the Palace, and the Town-Hall, left those places to him, and withdrew.

Then he sets free all those they had imprisoned, he changes the Sheriffs, and putting out the Chancellor whom they had put in by force, gave that Office to John Juvenal, then restores the Seals to Arnaud de Corbie, who gave them up to Henry de Marle the first President.

The Burgundian not thinking himself too safe, resolved to be gone before the Or∣leannois were come. Having therefore got the King one day forth a Hunting, he takes his leave on a suddain, and without bidding adicu to Paris, hastens to Flanders by long days Journeys, though very well attended.

[Year of our Lord 1413] After his retreat there was an absolute Revolution. The Duke of Orleance was so much in the Kings favour, that he would have him Cloathed in the same Stuffs as himself wore. The Coultable d'Abret re∣turned to Paris with great splendour; the Chiefs and Authors of the Sedition were sought for, some executed, some proscribed, all the Burgundians Creatures were removed, divers Gentlemen and Burghers Friends to him imprison'd.

They went farther yet, the Declarations that had been made against the Princes were declared a surprize, their Innocency owned and published, and he on the con∣trary detested as an execrable Murtherer. And for the greater affront, Lewis of Anjou King of Sicilia sent him back his Daugher who had been put into his hands in order to be Married to his eldest Son; and two months after he gave one of his own to Charles Earl of Pontieu the Kings third Son, who was not fully Twelve years of age; by this means making both himself and his Son-in-Law, mortal Enemies to the House of Burgundy.

[Year of our Lord 1413] The ill Treatment was hard to be digested: the Burgundian complained to the King, wrote of it to the Citizens of Paris, the Parliament and the University: but neither his Complaints nor Letters effected any thing. Finding he did not succeed that that way, he found means to renew some kind of Correspondence with the Duke of Guyenne his Son-in-Law; who in effect was angry to be detain'd at Court, and as it were a Prisoner in Louvre.

This was pretence enough for him to raise a great Army and take the Field to come and deliver him. He was received at Noyon, at Soissons, and at Compiegne, but Senlis shut her Gates against him. He made himself Master of St. Denis by In∣telligence, and afterwards presented himself before Paris, notwithstanding the King had forbid him to come near upon pain de Loesae Majestatis. He thought to have re∣ceived the former humour of the People, and have made some rising that would have given him entrance. Thereupon the King being recover'd of a Fit, made a thun∣dring Declaration against him: When he found this, he was afflicted, and retreated in most horrible confusion.

[Year of our Lord 1414] Every one bawl'd after him, stop Traitor, stop Murtherer! The Bishop of Paris Brother of Montaigu, and the Faculty of Theology having examined the He∣rangue of his Orator John Petit, who was then dead, drew seven Propositions out of it, condemned them of Impiety and Heresie, and caused them to be burnt in the Porch of Noster-Dame. John Charlier named Jarson from his Native Village near Reims, Chancellor of the University, and a Doctor of great Reputation, shewed himself mighty zealous in this Prosecution. He had formerly some contest with Petit, and the Burgundians had sold his Houshold Goods the year before for certain Taxes.

The following year, the Burgundian removed this Business by Appeal to the Council of Constance, where it was debated with much heat. He maintain'd that those Propositions that had been condemned at Paris, were not Petits: but that they were forged and contrived by Jarson. The Commissioners deputed to exa∣mine the thing, having made their Report, the Council, without taking any notice of Petit or Jarson, did in general condemn that pernicious Proposition, that a Ty∣rant may be killed, or put to death by his Subject, in what manner soever.

At the same time the King proceeded against him as an Enemy to the State, went to St. Denis to set up the Orislame * 1.78, and summoned the Ban and Arriere-Ban against him. He takes the City of Compiegne upon Capitulation, and Soissons by force: This was miserably plundred, and Bournonville who had defended it to the uttermost, had his Head cut off.

Without doubt the Burgundian was in a great consternation at the taking of it, and more yet when the Flemmings refused to serve him, and sent Deputies to the King to offer him all Obedience. The taking of Bapawne by the Duke of Bour∣bon, encreasing his astonishment, he sent the Earl of Nevers his Brother to the King then the Countess of Hainault his Sister, and afterwards the Duke of Brabant his

other Brother, who made several Journeys to Court to endeavour to put some stop to the Kings wroth: but nothing less would serve then the Confiscation of all his Lands.

[Year of our Lord 1414] Happily for him the King fell ill again. In this interval, taking breath a little, he got a Garison into Aras, the Princes brought the King thither and besieged the Town. It made an obstinate defence, perhaps encouraged by advice from some of the Besiegers: So that their Army growing tir'd and weak by Sickness, the Countess of Hainault took this opportunity, and sollicited the Duke of Guyenne so earnestly, who had all Authority in his hands, that without consulting the rest of the Princes, he granted a Peace to the Duke of Burgundy.

This was made about the end of September: but the Agreement or Articles were not Signed till the sixteenth of October at Quesnoy. The Conditions were very hard upon the Burgundian; That five hundred of his Men should be excluded from the Indempnity, That several Officers belonging to the King, the Queen, and the Dauphin who favoured him, should be removed; That he should not come near the Court without express Order from the King, under the Great Seal, and by Ad∣vice of the Council. It was added, That for the Kings Honour, his Banner should be set upon the Walls of Arras, the Governor displaced, and the Burghers obliged to take an Oath of Fidelity to the King.

[Year of our Lord 1414] We have not taken notice what the English did both by Sea and Land these two last years against the French, as being of little importance; nor how they Conquer'd several places in Guyenne, the Earl of Armagnac and the Lord d'Abret siding with them because they had been banish'd from the Court. The Animosity of that Na∣tion would allow of no Peace with France, but their King (Henry V. the Son of Henry IV. who died of a Leprosie the twentieth of March in the year foregoing) sought to make an Alliance with the French, that he might be supported against the inconstant and factious humour of his own Subjects; so that the Duke of York was come into France the preceding year for that very purpose. In the Month of Fe∣bruary of this same, his Ambassadors came to make Overtures, and demanded Ca∣tharine the Kings Daughter, agreeing to a Truce for a year, to commence from the [Year of our Lord 1414] second day of the same Month.

A strange Rheum called the Coqueluke, tormented all sorts of People during the Months of February and March, and made them so very hoarse, that the Bar, the Pulpits and Colledges became all dumb. It caused the death of most of the old People that were aflected with it.

Ladislaus, of whom we have made mention, was become Master of the whole Kingdom of Naples: but as he was too much addicted to Women, and besides mightily hated for his Cruelties, he was this year poisoned after a Villanous man∣ner; [Year of our Lord 1414] He found his Death in the Fountain of Pleasure and Life Jane II. of that name, his Sister, Widow of William of Austria succeeded him; she was then forty years old, and nevertheless, her many years, were so far from quenching her Passions, they rather inflamed them to the highest excess.

The Council of Pisa had ordained that another general one should be held within three years, and in the mean time was continued by Deputies. At the expiration of that time John XXIII. had called one at Rome for the year 1412. which being not numerous by reason by reason of the troubles occasioned by Ladislaus, was put off till another time. Now the Emperor Sigismund being gone into Italy in the year 1412. about some Disputes he had with the Venetians, the Pope sent some Legates to him, to appoint the place and time for the Council. They agreed upon the City of Constance on the Rhine, and as to the time the Pope assigned it on All-Saints-day of the following year.

[Year of our Lord 1414]

Notwithstanding it was not opened till the sixteenth of the Month by the Pope himself. The Emperor came thither upon Christmas-Eve and sung the Epistle at the Holy Fathers Midnight-Mass, being in the Habit of a Subdean. The second Session was not held till the second day of March following. He was present at divers afterwards, array'd in his Imperial Robes.

[Year of our Lord 1415] In this Session the Pope sitting on his Throne, being turned towards the Altar, read a Schedule aloud, wherein he promised and gave his Oath that he would re∣nounce the Papacy, in case the two others, Gregory and Bennet, did renounce, or happen to dye. Now, whether this act were by compulsion, or that he had done it without reflecting on the Consequences, he immediately repented, and fearing

lest they should take him at his word, he ran away by night to the City of Schaff∣hausen under the protection of the Duke of Austria.

[Year of our Lord 1415] After he had wandred some Months from one City to another, forsaken by that Duke, and not able to find any that could afford him a secure retreat, he was taken Prisoner, brought back to Constance, and deposed the eighteenth of May by the Council.

He then made a vertue of necessity, and submitted to the Sentence very calmly. Gregory did likewise submit to the Judgment of the Council, and gave in his Cession by Proxy. Bennet only remained obstinate, and kept himself shut up in his Castle of Paniscole in Arragon till the year 1424. when he ended his days. Even at his death he commanded a couple of Cardinals, who had all along kept him company, to elect him a Successor. They put a Cannon of Barcelona in his place, who took upon him the name of Clement VIII. and King Alphonso caused this Idol to be adored for five years, in hatred to Pope Martin, with whom he had some quarrel, then obliged him to lay down his pretended Tittle Anno 1429.

[Year of our Lord 1415] The Treaty concerning the Peace and Match between France and England was yet continued: and three or four solemn Embassies were sent on either side. They offer'd the King of England Eight hundred thousand Florins of Gold, and to give up to him fifteen Cities in Guyenne, and all Limosin as a Portion for the Lady Ca∣tharine. He seemed to give ear to these Propositions: yet demanded every day some new thing to hinder the concluding of it.

His design was to fall upon France, his Subjects desired it with so much passion, that the whole Kingdom would have risen against him, if he had not satisfi'd their longing. It was suspected likewise that he was encouraged to it by the instigation and correspondence of some Traytors; at least he was assured he should have but half the French to deal with, it being impossible for the two Houses of Orleans and Burgundy ever to be united.

[Year of our Lord 1415] When all his Forces were in readiness, he made no scruple to declare his Preten∣sions: and after he had written Letters full of Protestations and Threatnings to the King, whom he stiled only his Cousin Charles of France, he came and landed at Havre de Grace at the mouth of the River of Seine, where he put on shoar six thousand Men at Arms, thirty thousand Archers, and all other Necessaries proportionably.

With these he laid Siege to Harfleur. The place defended it self bravely by the courage of four hundred Men at Arms, and seven or eight Lords of that Province that had thrown themselves in there. In fine, it was taken by assault and sacked, perhaps not without some secret intelligence, or at least the cowardize or baseness of the Chiefs of the French Army, who took no great care to relieve them. The blame fell on the Constable d'Albret.

In the mean time the King having set up the Oriflamme or Standard, at St. Denis, got his Soldiers together. The English had lost a great many of their bravest Men upon their Attaques, Diseases reigned in their Army, and a scarcity of Provisions, for they were forced to keep close together, reduced them to great streights. In∣somuch as having held his Quarters for three weeks together along the Sea Coasts, they were forced to remove, and took their march towards Calais. They crossed the Country of Caux, the Earldom of Eu, and the Lands of Vimeu, with intention to pass the River Somme at Blanquetaque.

[Year of our Lord 1415] The French Army, which was as yet nothing but a multitude of Rascals pickt up in haste, durst not attaque them in their march: but when the King, who was come in Person to Rouen, had sent fourteen thousand Men at Arms, and all the Princes to them, excepting the Dukes of Guyenne, Berry, Bretagne, and Burgundy, it wa re∣solved they should go and fight them; and instead of strongly guarding the passages over the Somme, whereby to ruine them, they went to way-lay them on the other side of the River, and lodged themselves at Azincour * 1.79, in the County of St. Pol.

The English being tired, seeing the French to be four times stronger then themselves, and believing they should be utterly lost if they came to an Engagement, sent to pro∣fer them reparations for all damages done from the time of their landing in France. But their Offers were rejected; and Battle presented for the next day, being the five and twentieth of October.

[Year of our Lord 1415] The same causes that made them lose that of Crecy, and that of Poitiers, made them again lose this same, I mean the necessity or desperate condition they reduced them unto, either to vanquish, or to dye, their impetuous precipitation, the con∣fusion in which they fought, all the Chiefs striving to be in the Head; besides the ill

order of their Van-guard drawn up so close, that none but the first Ranks had room to stir themselves, and the inconvenience of the Soil, so fat and slippery with the Rain, and withal so deep that they stood half way the Leg in Myre.

The Field was bestrewed with Six thousand of theirs, and with Sixteen hundred of the English. Amongst the slain were the Earl of Nevers, and Anthony Duke of Brabant, Brothers to the Duke of Burgundy, the Duke of Alenson, the Constable d'Abret, the Duke of Bar, the Mareschal de Boucicaut, the Admiral Dampierre, the Archbishop of Sens Brother of Montaigu * 1.80, and the Vicount de Lannois Son of the same; Amongst the Prisoners the Dukes of Orleans and of Bourbou, the Earls of Vendosme and Richemont, and fourteen hundred Gentlemen. The Army indeed Vi∣ctorious, but as much shatter'd as if they had been vanquish'd, had much ado to crawl to Calais; from whence their King Henry went over again into England.

[Year of our Lord 1415] This great misfortune, begot such Civil Discords as made the Wound much greater. The Duke of Burgundy went on with his design of usurping the Government; and he believed this Juncture very favourable towards it. But when it came to be known that he was marched to Dijon with the Duke of Lorrain, and ten thousand Horse to come again to Paris, they brought the King back with speed; and the Duke of Guyenne quartered Men in all the places thereabout.

The Burgundian being arrived at Lagny, sent to the King to desire he might come to him, and that the Duke of Guyenne might receive his Wife again, whom he had pack'd away to entertain a Mistress. He was promised satisfaction in this second thing he demanded: but for the first he could never obtain it, he was expressly for∣bidden to come near Paris but only with his own Servants. There had been no se∣curity for him, he found they had put all his Friends in Prison, Hang'd up all his Sol∣diers they could light upon, and sent for the Count of Armagnac his greatest Enemy to take the Constables Sword.

The mischief proceeded principally from the evil Counsels of certain Plagues in Court, who for their private Interests, promoted the differences between the Princes, and plunged the young Duke of Guyenne into all Debauchery. The University and Parliament made loud Complaints, and moved that young Prince so much, that he did promise to take some order: but in few days afterwards he fell sick of a Loos∣ness, whereof he died the Five and twentieth of December, not without visible marks [Year of our Lord 1415] of Poyson.

The Count d'Armagnac being arrived at Paris the nine and twentieth of the same Month, set aside the Propositions for Peace, envenomed the Sore instead of healing it, and made himself absolute Master of the Government, having obtained the So∣veraign Administration of the Treasury, and the Command of Captain General of all the Fortresses, with power to put in what Governors and what Garrisons he pleased.

After the death of the Duke of Guyenne, the Succession to the Crown was to fall to his second Brother John Duke of Touraine. The Earl of Hainault whose Daughter he had Married, had carried him into his Country: all honest Frenchmen wished he might return to inform himself in all Affairs. In the mean time to gain the affection of the People, and shew he was not engaged to any Party, he Commanded both of them to lay down their Arms. The Burgundian, who had stood gaping idly in Lagny, was glad of so fair a pretence to retire. He went back into the Low-Countries, vexed to the very Soul, that his Enemies should deride him and call him John de Lagny, not much in haste.

The Emperor Sigismund desiring to procure the Churches Peace, and also a Peace amongst Christian Princes, made a Voyage into France, and from thence [Year of our Lord 1416] into England, but without any success, because the Constable refused the Truce for four years which he had propounded betwixt those two Crowns. The King received him magnificently at Paris, and was willing he should take his place in Parliament; but it was not so well relished that he should upon any occasion assume the Authority to bestow the Order of Knighthood upon a Gentleman.

He resolved to erect the Earldom of Savoy to a Dutchy for Ame VIII. and divers Authors tell us he had made choice of the City of Lyons for that purpose: [Year of our Lord 1416] but the Kings Officers let him know it would not be suffered, wherefore he per∣formed the Ceremony at the Castle of Montluel in Bresse, out of the Territories of the Kingdom. However the Letters Patents for the said Erection are dated from Chamberry the Nineteenth of February.

It is fit we observe that ever since the time of the Carlian Race, the Title of [ ✚.] Count or Earl was as eminent as that of Duke; and it seems the Grandees liked it better, since we find some who having Dutchies yet took the names only of Counts. Such in France was the Count of Toulouze, who held the Dutchies of Septimania and Narbonne; and the Earl of Savoy did the same, though he had the Dutchies of Chablais and Aouste, which he did not omit amongst his Titles. But as Men who in length of time change their humours and fancies, had an imagina∣tion that there was something greater in the Title of Duke, Ame VIII. Earl of Savoy was willing to have that Title given to the Earldom he bore the name of.

[Year of our Lord 1416] France met with nothing but misfortune upon misfortune, the defeat of the Con∣stable before Harfleur which he besieged, then of the Naval Forces upon that Coast, the continual Incursions of the Burgundian Troops, the death of the Duke of Berry, who was the only Person that could have allayed these Disorders, the King of Eng∣lands second landing, this was at Tonques, with the loss of divers places in Nor∣mandy taken by his Forces. Besides all this, the earnest endeavours of both Parties to make an Alliance with him: but the Burgundian with most industry and forward∣ness, enraged that they had thrust him out of the Government; and the Earl of Hainault his Cousin, to get a support for the Dauphin John his Son in Law, whom the Orleans Faction would deprive of his Birthright, to prefer and advance Charles Earl of Pontieu his younger Brother.

[Year of our Lord 1416] The new Governor rendred himself daily more odious by Exactions, without measure, equality, or justice, laid upon the Clergy as well as the Laity, for which reason the Parisians heartily desired the Burgundians return: and indeed there was a Plot discovered to have let in his Forces. The chief Conspirators paid down their Heads for it, the rest were imprisoned, all who were suspected banished, even Mem∣bers of the Parliament and University, the Burghers Arms seized upon, their Chains taken away, and the Butchers Company abolished.

[Year of our Lord 1417] The passion for Government did so far transport the Burgundian that he Conferr'd with the King of England at Calais, and renewed the Truce for his Countries only; which was in some manner an obligation, not to assist the King at all. From thence retiring to Valenciennes, he had confidence with Duke* 1.81 William Earl of Hainault, and the new Dauphin his Son in Law. They sware mutual assistance against all their Enemies. So the Dauphin declared himself against the Armagnacs, and promised the Duke he would never return to Court till he carried him along with him.

It was therefore resolv'd that the Earl of Hainault should go thither to treat of those Affairs, but should leave the Dauphin at Compeigne. Not being able to obtain the recalling of the Burgundian, he threatned to carry back the Dauphin home with him▪ whereupon they intended to detain him till he had given up the Dauphin: but having private notice, he craftily made his escape. But they secur'd themselves of the Dauphin another, but a more wicked way, by giving him Poyson, of which he died the eighteenth of April.

Charles his Brother, a sworn Enemy to the House of Burgundy, succeeded to the Title of Dauphin and of Duke de Touraine, and which is more, to a right of inhe∣riting the Crown, to the great satisfaction and joy of the Duke of Anjou his Father in Law, who was mightily suspected to have had some hand in the removal of the two eldest out of the World, that his Son in Law might Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1417] But his joy was not long lived, dying in the following Month of August. He left three Sons, Lewis, Rene, and Charles; the two first had successively the Titles of King of Sicilia. Charles was Earl of Maine.

The Kings Person, the Dauphin, and the City of Paris, were in the hands of the Constable d'Armagnac: the Queen only was some kind of counterpoise to his Power. They living with much freedom and licence in her Family, it was easie for the Con∣stable [Year of our Lord 1417] to fill the Kings head with jealousies against this Princess; so that he command∣ed one named Bouredon to be taken thence and thrown into the River as a Party con∣cerned in those Intrigues; and afterwards sent away the Queen his Wife, as it were a Prisoner to Tours. She could never be brought to forgive him this injury, nor even the Dauphin her own Son, it being by his consent, although he were not then above the age of Sixteen years.

The Queens confinement, the lamentable death of the two Dauphins, the dis∣placing of a great many Officers, the plundering of all the open Country by the unpaid Soldiers, the depredations of the Armagnac's, who robbed the very Shrines in the Churches, furnished the Burgundian with specious Pretences to publish his Ma∣nifesto's,

and to send to all the chief Cities to desire they would be assisting towards the restoring the King to his liberty. The most part of those in Champagne and Picardy, with the Isle of France, received him with open Arms, because he put down all Subsidies.

However all was nothing unless he could get into Paris, he marched round about it, approaching or going farther off for two Months together, according to the Ad∣vice he had from his Friends that were in the place. Whilst he was besieging Corbeil, he goes away in haste to Tours with some Troops of Horse, and having had a Con∣ference with the Queen at Marmoustier, whither she was come purposely under a pre∣tence of taking the Air, he brought her with him to Troyes; From that time she claimed the Regency.

[Year of our Lord 1417] In so favourable a juncture, the King of England failed not to push on his Affairs, Caen, Bayeux, Coutance, Carenian, Lisieux, Falaise, Argentan, Alenson, and in fine the greatest part of Normandy surrendred themselves up to him without scarce a blow given, excepting Cherbourgh which defended it self three Months; and yet the Constable chose rather to see the Kingdom lost then his Authority, and the Bur∣gundian consented rather to have it dismembred by the English, then governed by his Enemy.

In Germany there were several Companies of Vagabonds began to strowle about, having no Riligon, no Law, no Country or Habitation, their Faces tawny, speak∣ing in a particular Canting Language of their own, and using a Slight of Hand in Picking Pockets, while they pretended to tell Fortunes. They were called Tartars and Zigens. These were the same in my own opinion as those the French at present call Bohemians and the English Gypsy's.

[Year of our Lord 1417]

We find in the Acts of the Council of Constance, how the memory of Wicklef was Anathematiz'd, and John Huss, who treading his steps, had sowed new Do∣ctrines in Bohemia, was burnt alive Anno 1415. notwithstanding he had a safe Con∣duct of the Emperor, and how Jerome of Pragne his Associate, but more cautious then he, chose rather to be condemned absent then present. In the same Council Bennet having been declared Contumacious, and intruded into the Papacy, the Cardinals of all Parties joyning together, elected Otho Colomna, who took the name of Martin, as being promoted on the Eve of that Saints day.

[Year of our Lord 1418] He immediately employs his Care and Paternal Authority to endeavour the ma∣king a Peace in France. To this end he sent two Cardinal Legats, upon whose sol∣licitation an Assembly was held at Montereau Faut-yonne, where the Deputies on either side agreed upon the Seventeenth of May, that all hatred being laid aside, the Dau∣phin and Duke of Burgundy should have the Government of the State, during the Kings Life. But the Constable, the Chancellor, and those that had the greatest share in the management of Affairs, fearing they should be pack'd away, or appre∣hending the Burgundian's Resentment, formally opposed it, and the Chancellor did absolutely refuse to Seal the Treaty, he who was said to have Sealed so many Instru∣ments to the Peoples ruine and for his own private Interest.

Paris being sick of the War, this was an excellent Theme to be preached to the People, and stir up their hatred against them, and also to rowze the Burgundian Faction, who had still remained quiet, had not the Populace been drawn to side with them upon this ill management. In fine, those of his Party holding themselves assured of his Affection, introduced into their City Philip de Villiers L'Isle, Adau•• Governor of Pontoise, by St. Germains Gate.

He entred by night upon the Twenty eight of May with Eight hundred Horse, cry∣ing out Peace! and Burgundy! The People did not stir till they were come into [Year of our Lord 1418] the Streets of St. Denis and St. Honore; then they came out on all hands and joyned with them. Tanneguy du Chastel, Provost of Paris hearing the noise, ran and took the Dauphin out of his Bed, and wrapping him up in his Night-Gown, convey'd him to the Bastille, and from thence to Melun. The King who was in his Hostel remained in the power of the Burgundians.

From thence spreading themselves over the whole Town, they fell upon the Houses of the Armagnac's, and searched from the very tops of the Garrets to the bottoms of the Cellers. Some plundered the Household Stuff and carried away the Money, but were most eager to seize upon their Persons, and those were least un∣happy that were coop'd up in private places till they had paid their Ransoms. Most of them were haled to Prisons, whither a great many fled voluntarily to avoid other

mischiefs. The Chancellor was taken the very same day and imprisoned in the Palace. The next day the Constable was dragged to the same place; He had con∣cealed himself in a Masons House, but Proclamation being made to discover all the Armagnac's upon pain of death, his Hoste produced him.

[Year of our Lord 1418] The Banished being return'd from divers parts, with indignation and revenge in their Hearts, made the most cruel Mutiny that ever was heard of; this was upon the Two and twentieth of June. They began with the Palace, whence they drew forth the Constable and Chancellor, Murther'd them, and exposed their Bodies upon the Table de Marbre. From thence they went to the Prisons, Massacred the Bishops of Senlis and de Coutances in the Petit Chastelet, and made the rest leap from the tops of the Towers, receiving them below upon the points of their Swords and Javelines. There was no part of the City which was not stained with the Blood they spilt. Near two thousand Men were killed, whose Carcasses were drawn into the Fields, with deep Incisions made upon their Backs in form of a Bend or Scarfe, which was the Signal that Party had marked themselves withal, for distinction. Such as were found with them were held to be worse then Hereticks, the Priests denied them Burial, and Baptism to their Children.

Whether it were Policy or not, the Duke of Burgundy would not come to Paris till a month after L'Isle Adam had made himself Master of it. The Queen and he made their entrance the fourteenth day of July as Triumphantly as if they were re∣turned [Year of our Lord 1418] from the Conquest of some new Empire. There was nothing heard in the Streets but the soft Musick of Voices and Instrumens; and yet their presence did not stop the bloody hands of Murtherers. Whoever had Money or an Enemy, an Office or a Benefice, was an Armagnac.

The vilest and the most wicked had made themselves the Chiefs of that Blood-thirsty Militia; The very Hangman was one of them; and he had so much impudence as to shake the Duke by the Hand, who knew not what he was.

The One and twentieth of August they made another great Commotion, that in∣famous Villain being their Captain; in which they killed above two hundred Persons, and amongst others even some of those that dwelt in the Dukes Hostel; and perhaps they would have carried it home to himself, had he not been provided against that Scum of the Rabble. He bethought himself of a wyle, which was to send six thousand of that common Herd to besiege Montleberry, and when they were gone, he ordered the Hangmans Head to be chopt off, and several of the most deserving to be Hanged, or cast into the River.

[Year of our Lord 1418] It seemed that Heaven would revenge those horrible Murthers with its severest Rod; About the Month of June, Paris began to be infected with the Plague, which raged extreamly to the end of October, carried off above forty thousand, most of them being the meanest of the People, and such as had dipt their Hands in Blood.

After the Dauphin was gone from Paris, his Partisans made War in his Name. Those Frenchmen that were disinteressed and impartial, found themselves much per∣plexed between the Kings Commands, whom the Burgundian made to speak as pleased himself, and the Commands of the Presumptive Heir to the Crown; which side soever they could take, they were sure to be treated as Rebels and Traitors.

[Year of our Lord 1418] The Duke of Bretagne labour'd so much that he made up the breach a second time. All the Articles were agreed upon at St. Maurdes Fossez: but those that had influence over the Dauphin kept him from Ratifying them; so that there was only a Truce for three weeks.

After he had taken all the pains imaginable to find out some way to reconcile the two Parties, perceiving as little faith on the one side as the other, he retir'd into his own Country, and renewed his ancient Alliance with the English, only for his [Year of our Lord 1418] defence. When now he thought himself out of all trouble, he found himself fallen into the greatest Peril. Marguerit de Clisson Widow of John de Blois Earl of Poin∣tieurs, a Woman ambitious even to the highest Crimes, never left provoking her Sons (she had four in all) to seize upon the Person of the Duke, that they might enter upon the Dutchy of Bretagne, which she told them was their Inheritance. The Dauphins Council offended because the Breton did not Arm himself against the English, Treated underhand with these Brothers, and gave them Letters and Orders to pro∣secute their design.

To effect this they made use of all sorts of means to get into the Dukes favour, went to visit him at Nantes, gained great Credit with him by their Respect and Complaisance: in fine, engage him to go and divert himself at their House of Chuntoceaux in Anjou upon the Second of February. Going thither with his Brother Richard unarmed, and

with little Company, as being unwilling to give them too great trouble, Oliver the eldest of the four, causes him to be set upon and taken by forty Horsemen well armed, who carried them away bound Legs and Arms, to the Castle of Paluan in Poitou: From thence they were removed from place to place all the year round, causing divers reports to be spread, sometimes that they died in despair, at other times that they were drowned, and lastly, that for a Pennance they were both gone on Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, there to end their days.

They had made account that if they could but once catch these two Brothers, they should find strength and friends enough to get themselves into possession of the Dutchy: but the Act was so base, that even their most devoted friends were ashamed [Year of our Lord 1419] to own it. All Bretagne moved with the horror of the Fact and the lamentations of the sorrowful Dutchess, took up Arms, and sent her above Fifty thousand Men to recover her Husband. In the absence of Arthur Earl of Richmond, whom the Eng∣lish would not set at liberty, the Bretons chose Commanders of their own Nobility, to lead them.

Chantoceaux was besieged. The Duke was not then there as they had hoped; but Marguerit de Clisson and one of her Sons were in it. The breach being made, this Womans heart failed, fear seized upon her Spirits, she dispatches Messenger after Messenger to her Son Oliver to intreat him, if he would ever see her again alive, to release the Duke. The Dukes Head was a pawn sufficient enough to answer for his Mothers: notwithstanding he was so weak as to let him go. But he had beforehand made him sign to what Articles he would. The Estates of the Country never regard∣ed them, the four Brothers were brought to their Trial, who were condemned to die, their Houses razed, their Lands confiscated and given to great Men, that so they might never be recover'd again.

[Year of our Lord 1419] During these Brouilleries, King Henry had laid Siege to Rouen from the Month of June. The importance of that City, and the constant fidelity of her Burghers, deserved some care should be taken to relieve them. They first endeavour'd it by treating with the King of England concerning the Marriage with Catharine of France, by the Mediation of the Popes Legats, who for that purpose carried the Picture of that beautiful Princess to him. Then, that Project having failed, he making too high demands, they got some Forces together and carried the King as far as Beauvais: but they were found too weak to attempt its relief. The Besieged being in the greatest extremity make their address to the Dauphin: this was the fairest Jewel of the Crown which was so near being lost: he took no care for it, considering the place as rather belonging to the Duke of Burgundy then to France.

What Miseries did they not undergo? Thirty thousand died of Famine, hunger forced them to eat their very Bed-straw, and all the Leather they could come at. The King of England refusing to receive them on any other terms then at discretion, they undermined five hundred Rod of their Walls, and in their extremity resolved to set fire on the Timbers that propt it, and then sally out of the breach both Men and Wo∣men and take their fortune either in Death or Victory. This desperate Resolution gave the King some apprehension, he allows them tolerable Conditions, and was con∣tented with the payment of three hundred thousand Gold Crowns, and three of their Chiefs whom he should name, of those, one called Blanchard lost his Head. Upon these Conditions he confirmed all their Priviledges; He made his entry the nineteenth [Year of our Lord 1419] of January.

The taking of this City brought in all the rest of Normandy; and that Province for some few years returned to the obedience of the English, from whom it had been conquer'd two hundred and fifteen years past, by King Philip Augustus.

They did notwithstanding negotiate between the two Kings, and at the same time between the two Parties of Armagnacs and Burgundians. A Truce for three Months [Year of our Lord 1419] was agreed upon between the two Crowns, after which there was to be an Interview near Melun to conclude on the Peace and Marriage. Men of most Judgment fore∣seeing France must be ruined if it came to that, never left off till they had made Truce betwixt the two Factions. The Dauphin would have had it for three years, the Burgundian for two Months only; his aim was, that if within that time he could make a full and perfect agreement with the Dauphin, they might with their united Forces fall both joyntly upon the English when the Truce expired, if not, he would make a Peace with them that he might be the more enabled to quell the Dauphinois.

The first not succeeding well, he comes back to Treat with the English. To this pur∣pose there was an Interview between both Kings in a Park prepared for it near Melun, in the midst whereof they had pitched a Tent for the Conference. The King of

France being fallen ill at Paris, the Queen supplied his place, and carried thither (but only the first time) Madam Catharine whom the King of England sought in Mar∣riage. They met in this Tent frequently almost three weeks together, the King of England coming from Mantes, and the Queen from Pontoise, where they were lodged.

The Dauphins Council knowing what they treated on, sought to the Burgundian for an Accommodation, and flattered him with a perfect Reconciliation. The Duke did ardently desire it; and therefore being pleased with that hopes, he stood on higher terms with the English, and would scare condescend to any thing that he de∣manded. Thus they began to shew some coldness, and then were picqued at one another: the Burgundian breaks off the Treaty, and thinks of nothing now but to accommodate Affairs with the Dauphin.

They conferred therefore in the open Field near Povilly le Fort, within two Leagues of Melun between the two Armies, each of them attended by half a score Horse∣men; and there they made a Treaty, in which they sware to love and assist each other like Brothers, submitting themselves in case of any failure to the Soveraign Judgment of the Holy See. After which they agreed to meet upon the Bridge de [Year of our Lord 1419] Montereau Faut-yonne the Eighteenth of August, each accompanied with ten Men armed, to determine all their disputes in a most amicable manner.

The Servants belonging to the deceased Lewis Duke of Orleans, particularly Ta∣neguy du Chastel, and John Louvet President of Provence, procured these Interviews for no other end but to find an opportunity to revenge the death of their late Master upon him that was the Author of it: They durst not attempt it at Pouilly, but they put things in better order at Montereau, by the contrivance of certain Barriers, which being made in appearance for the mutual safety of them both, served as a snare or trap to that unfortunate Prince.

The day being come, the Dauphin arrives at Montereau: the Duke made him wait almost fifteen days. His friends forewarning and advice, his own pressentiment, all humane prudence and reasonning forbid his going thither: the power of his ill destiny dragg'd him along, by the horrid treachery of a second Dalila, I mean the Lady de Gyac his Mistress; or perhaps it was the hand of Divine Justice, for the Blood of his own Cousin, and so many thousands of Men as had been spilt in that Quarrel.

To allure him the better, they delivered up to him the Castle of Montereau, but* 1.82 wholly unfurnish'd of Provisions or Artillery. From thence he descended to the Bridge with his ten Men, and placed a guard at the end. While he was kneeling before the Dauphin, Taneguy du Chastel and some others, leaping over the Bar∣riers Massacred him by several wounds, his People making but a slight defence, only Nouailles Brother of Captal de Buch, who was kill'd with him. We must believe this act was done without the Dauphins order, for he was not above Seventeen years of age, and Heaven would never have permitted a Prince designed to wear the [Year of our Lord 1419] Crown of France, should have perpetrated so horrible and base a piece of treachery. However it were, the event made it appear how much those wounds did blemish his Honour, and not only proved hurtful to him, but almost mortal to the whole Kingdom.

For Philip the only Son of the deceased, although a very good Prince, highly undertakes to revenge his Fathers death, and wanted not for means to do it. All that were friends to that House, all those that were discontented came and tendred their service to him: compassion and horror for this Murther renewed and heated the af∣fections even of such as were grown coldest; the Parisians sent to assure him of their Services; and he to gain the love of the People obtained a Truce of the English, to the exclusion of the Dauphins People who were come to Rouen to desire the same thing, for which they made great profers. From this time the French, the English, and the Burgundians, began to mix and live together as if they had all been but one Nation: but the difference of their humours and interests, would suffer no long unity amongst them.

[Year of our Lord 1419] On the other hand the Dauphin gathered up all his Friends in the Provinces of Poitou, Orleannois, Berry, Auvergne, Lyonnois, Dauphine, Provence, and above all thought to secure himself of Languedoc. He took away that Government from the Earl of Foix, and gave it to Charles Count de Clermont, eldest Son of the Duke of Bourbon. From these Provinces it was that he drew his Succours that maintained him. Besides, the Kings of Castille and of Scotland, with the Duke of Milan, suppli'd him in his necessities with some of their Forces.

[Year of our Lord 1420] According to what had been agreed upon, the King of England and Philp Duke of Burgundy, met at Troyes, where the King and Queen were; and there the Peace was Treated together with the Marriage of Catharine of France with King Henry. Which was first sworn to by all the Lords there present, and then by all the good Cities that were of their party. The Marriage was compleated the Second day of June.

This Treaty amongst other things contained; That King Charles named and owned Henry for his Heir to the Crown of France; That however Henry should not take the Title of King of France during the life of Charles; but that he should have the quality of Regent, and the government of Affairs; That the two Kingdoms of France and England should be united and held by the same hand, viz. by Henry and his Heirs: but that they should not depend upon one another, and should be governed according to their Laws; That all Priviledges and Rights should be preserved to all Estates and to every particular Person; That no Treaty of Accommodation should be made with the Dauphin without the consent of both the Kings, the Duke of Bur∣gundy, and the three Estates of both the Kingdoms.

The two Kings afterwards with the Burgundian having taken Sens and Montereau, journyed towards Paris. Melun made the King of England know how much all France might cost him: he was four Months before it, and not able to force it: Famine only did what his Sword could not. The Besieged surrendred upon compo∣sition, but contrary to the faith given, they were all detained Prisoners.

At their departure from thence, the two Kings made their entrance into Paris, the first Sunday of Advent; and the next day the two Queens. The Duke of Burgundy having tender'd his complaint before them and their Councils, in the Hostel St. Pol, the Dauphin was summon'd to the Table de Marbre with the usual formalities; and afterwards as attainted and convict of Murther, was declared unworthy of all Suc∣cession, namely of that to the Crown of France, and banished the Kingdom to per∣petuity.

From this Sentence given by incompetent Judges against all Right, and contrary to the Laws of the Kingdom, he appealed to God and his Sword, and transferr'd the Parliament and University to Poitiers, at which place the most illustrious Members of those two Companies did not fail to appear.

Thus almost every thing was double in the Kingdom, there were two Kings, two Regents, two Parliaments, two Constables, two Chancellors, two Admirals, and so of most of the great Officers, not to mention the multitude of Mareschals of France, whereof each Party made seven or eight.

[Year of our Lord 1420] This year 1420. the Portugal Navigators defray'd and encouraged by Henry Duke of Visen Son of John King of Portugal, sailing at large in the Ocean found in their midway between Lisbonne and the Fortunate Islands, a little Island which they named Madera, because it was full of Wood or Materials fit for building. From thence steering along the exteriour coasts of Africa, they there discover'd several large Countries, and in time sailed to the East-Indies, which till then were unknown, at least those parts towards the Sea. Pope Martin, and after him his Successors, bestowed upon the Portugals all those Lands by them discover'd or to be discover'd, from the Cape which lies at the end of Mount Atlas, to the Indies.

When the King of England had sojourned some weeks at Paris, he laid Siege to the City of Meaux; the only place the Dauphin had left, upon the Rivers of Seine and [Year of our Lord 1420] Marne. After a three Months brave defence, the Besieged capitulated the ninth of May; the Inhabitants had their lives and liberties: but all the Soldiers were sent Prisoners to divers places, where they let them cruelly perish for hunger. The Bailiff named Lewis de Gas, had his Head cut off in the Halles at Paris. The City taken, King Henry went into England to draw over a new supply of Men and Money.

So great was the fondness of the French for the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples, that Lewis Duke of Anjou forgetting those disasters of his Father and Grandfather, and abandoning his own Country to the mercy of the English, suffers himself to be cajolled by the promises of the Pope and Sforza, who called him to dis∣possess Queen Jane, a Princess lost in her Reputation by her continual Galantries [Year of our Lord 1421] or Amours. The Affairs of Lewis being in a pretty good posture in that Country, Alphonso King of Arragon, who held the Island of Sicilia, undertakes the protection of Jane, she having adopted him her Son, Sforza does reconcile himself to her; and in a word there was nothing left for the poor Angevin but the way to walk home again.

[Year of our Lord 1421] One of the first seeds of division between the English and the Duke of Burgundy, was about Jacqueline Countess of Hainault, Holland, Zealand, and Friseland. After the death of John Dauphin of France, they had Married her to John Duke of Bra∣bant Son of Anthony and Cousin German to Duke Philip: but the young Gossip not being satisfied with her second Husband, a Man of little merit, prosecuted for a Divorce, and consederated with some Captains to carry her away, as it were by force, into England, where she Married Humphrey Duke of Gloucester Brother of King Henry. This undertaking turned much to the contempt of Philip, who besides observed that the English began to treat him with more pride, and endeavour'd so to settle their affairs as they might have no further need of him.

[Year of our Lord 1421] The War was very hot in every Province on this side the Loire, particularly in Champagne, Picardy, and in the Countries of Perche, Maine, and Anjou. The Duke of Clarence Brother to King Henry having got together eight or ten thousand Men went and besieged Bauge, in Anjou: John Earl of Bouchain a Scot, and the Mareschal de la Fayette marched to its relief, gave him battle and won it. He was slain upon the place with two thousand of his Men, the rest escaped through the Country of Mayne into Normandy. This Earl of Bouchain had brought three or four thousand Men from his own Country to the Dauphins service, in recompence he gave him the Constables Sword.

[Year of our Lord 1421] The Field being clearly left to the French, the Dauphin accompanied with his new Constable and the Duke of Alenson, regained some places in the Countries of Perche and the Chartrain. In the mean time Henry being come back from England with a great reinforcement, and in a rage and fury for the defeat and death of his Brother, did endeavour all that was possible to meet with the Dauphin. He marched by Chartres and Chasteaudun, lodged in the Suburbs of Orleans, and not meeting him in the Field, but a violent Dysentery that took off three thousand of his Men, he falls upon the City of Dreux, which being surrendred upon Composition, he goes to rest himself at Paris, and sends over his Queen, who was great with Child, to be de∣liver'd in England.

[Year of our Lord 1421] Whilst he lay at the Siege of Dreux, an honest Hermit unknown to him, came and told him the great evils he brought upon Christendom by his unjust ambition, who usurped the Kingdom of France against all manner of right, and contrary to the will of God; wherefore in his holy name he threatned him with a severe and suddain punishment, if he desisted not from his Enterprise. Henry took this exhortation either for an idle whimsey, or a suggestion of the Dauphinois, and was but the more confirmed in his design.

[Year of our Lord 1422] But the blow soon followed the threatning: for within some few Months after he was smitten in the Fundament with a strange* 1.83 and incurable Disease, the acuteness of its pain, made him go to Senlis to seek for cure.

The Queen his Wife was a while before this returned out of England, having brought forth a Son to whom they gave the same name as his Fathers. Both she and her Husband made their entry with great splendour into Paris, and kept open Court at the Louvre upon the Feast of Pentecost, each Crowned with their Royal Diadems: but the People that went to see the Ceremony, had cause to regret regret the liberalities of their ancient Kings, and detest the niggardliness or pride of the English, who gave them none of their good Cheer, nor did vouchsafe to profer them one Glass of Wine.

The Dauphin in the mean time had besieged the City of Cosne on the Loire, and the place had capitulated to surrender, if they were not relieved by a prefixed day, with an Army able to give them battle. The Duke of Burgundy got a great number of Men to go thither, the Dauphin being informed of his march, did not think fit to stay for him, but raised his Siege.

[Year of our Lord 1422] The King of England, though already indisposed, was gotten into his Litter that he might be present at this memorable Action. While he was at Melun his distem∣per encreased so much that he could proceed no further, but made them bring him back to Vincennes, where he died the eight and twentieth day of August. He had only one Son who was named Henry, he left him to the education of the Cardinal of Winchester his Uncle, who bred him in England, gave the Government of that Kingdom to the Duke of Gloucester, and the Regency of the Kingdom of France to John Duke of Bedford, to whom he recommended above all things to give con∣tent to the Duke of Burgundy, never to make any Peace with the Dauphin unless Normandy were yielded to be left in full Soveraignty to the English, and not to release those Prisoners that were taken at the Battle of Azincour till his Son were come to his majority.

[Year of our Lord 1422] The one and twentieth of October following, King Charles VI. the weakness of whose Brain, stupified with so many relapses, made him a prey to every one that could but come to deal with him, ended his Life, and his unhappy Reign in his Hostel of St. Pol at Paris, attended only by his first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, his Confessor, and his Almoner. His Funeral was at St. Denis: no Prince of the Blood went to it, not even the Duke of Burgundy, who was ashamed to give place to the Duke of Bedford. This last as soon as the Ceremony was over, caused young Henry his Nephew to be proclaimed King of France.

Charles VI. Reigned two and forty years and five and thirty days, and lived fifty two. He had by Isabella of Bavaria six Sons, the three first of them died in their infancy, the other three Lewis, John, and Charles appeared on the Theater: and the last survived him and Reigned. He had the same number of Daughters, Isabella, Jane, Mary, a second Jane, Michel and Catharine. The first was Married to Richard II. King of England, then to Charles Duke of Orleans; the second died in her Cradle, the third devoted her self to God in the Convent at Poissy; the fourth Married John VI. Duke of Bretagne, the fifth Philip, who was Duke of Burgundy, and the last Henry V. King of England.

Before him the Kings of France were wont at all Ceremonies to appear with all their Regal Ornaments, and wear some marks about them every day, as their Robes lined with Ermines, and a Crown upon their Hoods or their Hats: In the Army a Coat of Armour Sem'd with Flower-de-Luces, and a Hoop with Flowers pretty high upon their Helmets: This King neglected all these Ornaments, and did not distinguish himself at all from other People; so that he seemed to have de∣graded himself of all Royalty.

* 1.84 That Quarrel which Pope Boniface had with King Philip the Fair, was the Rock whereon the Papal Power both Spiritual and Temporal was split and shipwrack'd, which till then had Master'd had Lorded it over the Emperors and other Western Princes. The translation of the Holy See to Avignon brought them lower yet, by removing them out of their natural place, and laying open their defects, which ex∣posed the Court of Rome to the great contempt and scorn of all that did but make the least observation on their ill Conduct. But to say the truth, France that thought to aggrandise it self by this Spiritual Power of the Popes Court, gained nothing but their Vices, with the plague of Litigious Disputes, and the Maletost, or extra∣ordinary Taxes. But if the multitude of Cardinals were an advantage to the State, France might have vaunted that she alone had as great a number as all the other parts of Christendom besides.

We have seen how Clement V. promoted to the Papacy by a method not strictly Canonical, extinguished the Order of the Templers who were found to be all guilty in France, but innocent in divers other Countries. John XXII. was the first who made it a fixt and permanent right to reserve the Fruits of vacant Benefices for the Holy See.

He bestowed the same Honour on the Bishoprick of Toulouze: but thinking it too rich and of too great extent, he divided it into five, whereof Toulouze is one, Mon∣tauban, Lavaur, Rieux, and Lombers are the other four: which he would have to be its Suffragants, as also Mirepoix and Lavaur created new by him. Moreover he restored the Bishoprick of Pamiez to that of Toulouze, which had been taken away and brought under Narbonne by Boniface VIII. when he erected it.

To recompence Narbonne in some manner, he made two more in the same Terri∣tory, these were Alet, whose See was first at Limoux, and St. Pont de Tomieres. He likewise made four for that of Bourges; Castres of a portion of that of Alby, St. Flour of part of Clermont, Vabres of part of Rodez, and Tulles of part of Li∣moges.

He likewise erected four for the Archbishoprick of Bourdeaux which had been dis∣membred, Condon from the Territory of Agen, Sarlat from that of Perigueux, Mail∣lezais and Lucon from that of Poitiers. Most of these sixteen Churches were Abbies changed into Bishopricks, and their Abbots converted to Bishops.

* 1.85 The Popes return to Rome was attended with a Schism of forty years, which troubled all Christendom: but afflicted France particularly, overthrew the Discipline of Elections and of Collations, filled all the Churches with Mercinary Pastors, nay hungry Wolves, and absorded all her Revenues, not only by ordinary Taxes upon each of them, by Annats, and Rights of Provision: but by extraordinary Taxes and Tenths.

* 1.86 The Princes, first the Duke of Anjou, then the Duke of Berry, and after him the Duke of Orleans favoured the cupidity of the Popes of Avignon, that they might share in the prey; the Cardinals gorged themselves: the Prelats either for want of courage, or in hopes of getting into fatter Benefices, gave their consent; the lesser ones were so much under the pawes of the Wolf, they durst not so much as open their mouths. The University of Paris alone opposed these disorders, and notwithstanding the Princes menaces, the corruptions of the Court of Avignon, the tricks and artifices of the Popes that were Competitors, they saved the Temporals of the Gallican Church, and restored the Universal Churches Peace by extinguishing the Schism.

And truly this great work is in the first place due to their zeal and labour, and in the second place to the care and perseverance of the Emperor Sigismund, who called and maintained the Council of Constance, and who made divers Voyages into Italy, France and Arragon, to establish Unity and Peace.

* 1.87 There was not in all the Kingdom so powerful a Body as the University, as well for the multitude of her Scholers, which sometimes exceeded the number of thirty thousand, as because she was the Nursing Mother of all the Clergy of France. The remonstrances she took the liberty to make to the Princes, the care she had to procure the reformation of the State during the troubles, and that which hapned to Savoisy, are very strong proofs of it. But we will add two more. The one, that in the year 1304. the Prevost of Paris having caused a Scholer that was a Clerk to be hanged, they carried their complaints to the King and left off their Exercises till they had satisfaction. He was fain to go to the Pope for his absolution. The other was thus, in the year 1408. William de Tignonville, who was at that time in the same Office, having likewise sent a couple of Scholers to the Gallows who well deserved it, but were Clarks, was forced together with his Lieutenant to go and unhang them, to kiss their Feet, and cause them to be brought with great ceremony to the Matburins, where yet their Epitaph is to be seen.

We find by the Letters of Pope John XXII. that the Oriental Languages, the Greek, the Arabian, the Chaldean, and Hebrew were taught in the year 1325.

* 1.88 There sprung up, if we may so say, a vast quantity of excellent Plants in this fertil Nursery. I cannot tell whether I ought to reckon the Scholasticks in the number since they have brought forth more Thorns and Prickles then either Flowers or Fruit that is wholesom. Henry of Ghent, John of Paris, John Duns the Scot, all lived in the beginning of this Age, which was the Fourteenth Century: but perhaps some would rather have them placed at the latter end of the Age foregoing: the two first were Secular Doctors, the third a Cordelier. Of the same Order were Aureolus, Mayrons, Okam, and de Lyra. Peter Aureolus amongst other Works, composed a short and pithy Commentary upon the Bible. The Criticks may examine whether we must distinguish him from another of the same name and of the same Order, a Native of Verberie upon the Oyse, who was a Cardinal. Francis de Mayrons having been rejected at the Sorbonne, would needs, to shew his ability, maintain an Act, where without having any President, without eating or drinking, without rising from his Seat, he answer'd from five a Clock in the morning till seven at night. Since that the other Batchelors pretend to imitate him. And from hence came the Act which they name the Grand Sarbonnique. William Okam by birth an English Man, wrote of the power of the Popes and Emperors against John XXII. Nicholas de Lyra, a Native of the Diocess of Evreux in Normandy, whom they say was Originally an Hebrew, compiled a Commentary or Postil upon the Bible, of which great use is yet made.

From the Order of the Dominicans came Bernard de Guy, Inquisitor of the Faith against the Albigensis, Bishop of Lodeve, of whom we have divers Volumes, as well of Holy History as Profane; Durand de Saint Pourcain Bishop of Meaux; William de Rance Bishop of Sees, Confessor to King John; Herve Noel, by birth a Breton, General of the Order, and Contemporary with Durand; Peter de la Palud a Bur∣gundian, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Amongst the Seculars we find William Durand Bishop of Mandes, called the Spe∣clator, who composed the Book Entitled Speculum Juris, it was he made likewise the Rationale Divinorm Officiorum. He lived in the beginning of this Age, about twelve or fifteen years before the other Durandus Bishop of Meaux. The Cardinal Bertrand Bishop of Autun. Nicholas Oresme Grand Master of the Colledge of Na∣varre, Dean of the Church of Ro••en, and Tutor to King Charles V. who made him Bishop of Lisieux, who amongst other Works translated the Bible into French, which was perhaps the first Translation that ever was seen in our Language, that

is to say in French Romance* 1.89, for there had been one in French Tu••esque, even in the* 1.90 time of the second Race.

King Charles the Wise will not disdain to be placed in the number of the Learned, since he is beholding for his Wisdom in some measure to the Writings of Learned Men, whose Eloquence and Politiques, drawn from examples in History, did both animate and instruct his Captains.

May not France also reckon amongst her Learned Men the famous Petrarque, since he spent so great a part of his Life here, though he were Originally a Flore tine, and was both born and buried beyond the Mountains. This great Genius having in his youth exercised his Pen for his Mistress Laura, repented a terwards his having trifled away so much time, and imploy'd it afterwards in works that were more Philosophical and more Christian-like.

We must own that in this Age, as in the last, the Jacobins and the Cordeliers, fur∣nished the Roman Church with a great number of Bishops and Cardinals, and that they were so powerful, that if they had but wisely managed their prosperity, the favour of the Grandees, and the affection of the People, they might have made themselves Masters both of the Church and State. But they retarded their progress by their own faults; and if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 say, it hung Clogs upon their own Feet which hindred their higher flight; the Jacobins in being so stiff to maintain their old opinion about the Conception of the Virgin, and the Cordeliers in commenting with too much severity upon the observation of St. Francis's Rules, and Philosophising too Metaphisically, touching propriety of Goods which are consumed by the use of them.

John Duns the Scot had taken up the Cudgels against St. Thomas: In all which Controversies he came short of the solidity of that Angelique Doctor, though he* 1.91 had great advantage in the point of the Conception of the Holy Virgin, main∣taining that it was perfectly and entirely Immaclate, wherein he varied from the Master of Sentences. This opinion appearing more to the honour of the Mother of God, and more suitable to the zeal of devout Souls, was embraced by most Christians. The Jacobins having stumbled at it, lost themselves mightily in the esteem of the World: however the Question was never fully debated till about the latter end of this Age.

The Cordeliers had their time of suffering likewise, for in a few years after they were brought so low they came almost to nothing, even as the Templers be••ore them. A pretence for the strict observation of the Rules given by St. Francis, without admitting those interpretations of the Popes Nicholas III. and Clement V. had possessed divers Monks of that Order with such crude and ambitious imagina∣tions, as caused them to be divided into Parties, who rambling from one Country to another, confounded them almost with the Bisoches and the Frerots, who were Hereticks indeed. John XXII. endeavoured to cure them of this obstinacy, but not prevailing with them, he threatned Excommunication. They, far from obeying him, retired into Sicilia, where they prescribed amongst themselves Rules very strict, but withal very ridiculous, made choice of a General, Provincials and Guardians, and began to live as independent from the Holy See. Their fancies carried them yet further, for they had the confidence to affirm that there was a Carnal Church over-grown with Riches and Vice, of which Church the Pope and Bishops were the Prelats; and likewise a Spiritual one, girded with Poverty, adorned with Vertue, which consisted only of them and such as were like them, in whom was all Authority, as well as Sanctity: That the Rule of St. Francis was the same thing as the Gospel, and nothing therefore that was contained therein could possibly be changed. But the Pope pursued them so close, that by burning, whipping, and shutting them up between four bare Walls, he made an end of them.

Others at the same time debated the Question concerning Property, with as much heat and contention. Nicholas IV. had declared by his Bull, that they were to have only the use of those things that were given them, and that the propriety belonged to the Roman Church. Now it hapned that a Begard whom in Anno 1322. they had brought to the Inquisition at Toulouze, having reply'd that neither our Lord Jesus Christ nor his Apostles had possessed any thing either in common or in particular: One Berenger who was Lecturer in their Convent, undertook the affirmative, and maintained it was an Article of Faith, and very far from any thing of Error. The difficulty was laid before the Pope at Avignon; Whilst he was ordering it to be exa∣mined by all the Universities, the General Chapter of the Friers Minors assembled at Perouse, declared that they would hold to the Decretal of Nicholas, which said it

* 1.92 was so, and as for that abdication of all propriety, it was certain that Jesus Christ and his Apostles had taught it both by their Preaching and Example. Which having by their Letters signifi'd through all Christendom, and all their Doctors teach∣ing the same in their Schools, and in their Pulpits. John XXII. netled for that they had prevented his Judgment, declared that the assertion in reference to our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles, was erroneous, for they might have sold, changed, or given away the things that were presented to them; and for the Friers Minors, That the Bull mentioned was not to be understood of things that consumed, because the propriety of such things cannot be separate from the use of them, but only of immovables; For which he forbad them to make any further prosecution or proceedings in the name of the Roman Church. For under that colour they troubled many People, and often contended with the Prelats.

All this was but words and air; for whether they had the property, or simply the use only of the Meat and Drink bestow'd upon them, they neither eat nor drank more nor less; nor could the Pope have any advantage by it, whether it were so, or not so. These Bulls nevertheless did so anger them, that a great many went to the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria with their General Michael de Cesene. The others that did not follow them in their Schism, however stood stiff in the maintenance of their opinion, saying that John XXII. was an Heretick in this point. Neither was he sparing to them in his Ecclesiastical Censures, nor in punishing them with Faggot and Fire. A great number of them were burnt in several Countries Anno 1324. and such had a cheap and easie bargain of it, that had nothing but their Writings con∣demned to the Flames, as it luckily hapned to Peter John de Serignan one of their Readers in Theology.

I fear I should fall into the ridicule should I set down the disputes they had about the colour, the fashion, and the Stuffs for their Cloaths, whether they ought to be white, black, grey, or green, whether their Hoods or Capouches should be pointed or round, large or streight, whether their Garment was to sit loose or close to their body, long or short, Cloth or Serge. We shall only observe that concerning these Debates they were fain to Consult as much with his Holiness, hold as many Chapters, assemble Congregations, publish Books and Manifesto's, as if the whole weight and being of Religion and Christianity had depended upon it.

At the same time, Philip Son of the King of Majorca, and Cousin to the King of France, took a fancy to have this Rule observed, in its pure literal sence, as not to live but by the labour of their hands, and by Alms: but to preserve their full liberty, to own no Superior, and to ramble wherever they pleased. The Pope having deny'd him his Request, he vented his anger against him in the same terms as the Begards and the Minors of Michel de Cesene.

The same Spirit of presumption possessed two Monks of the same Order, John de Roquetaillade, and one Haibalus, (if at least they were two distinct Persons) who undertaking to speak against the abuses of the Court of Avignon, and withall to make Prognosticks of Divine Punishments that were to fall upon the Pope and his Cardinals, of the coming of Antichrist and the end of the World, were detained a long time in Prison by Pope Innocent VI.

These fogs thus obscuring the Order of the Friers Minors being dispell'd, they soon recovered their credit: But the Preaching Friers or Jacobins, who had gotten the upper hand in this, went and entangled themselves in the Controversy concern∣ing the Immaculate Conception. It befell them what we have observed elsewhere in speaking of John de Monteson. To which I shall add, that they moreover lost the honour and priviledge they had enjoy'd so long while of providing the King with a Confessor of their own Order, and the Peoples hatred grew so outrageous against them, that some beggerly Rascals having poysoned the Wells and Fountains, these were accused as Authors thereof, and hardly did they escape the fury of the Populace.

* 1.93 It would be an easie Task to fill a whole Volume with the wicked Prelats of this Age, who sailed and steered by the Compass of the Court and Wind of the World, who dishonoured their Profession, betray'd the Body of the Church by flattery, or sold her for Interest, and in fine chose rather to be famous for their Crimes, then for their Acts of Piety. I shall observe only for the singularity of the Fact, that Hugh de Geraud Bishop of Cahors, whom Pope John XXII. degraded of the Episcopacy, for having conspired against him, and deliver'd him over to the Secular Power, who caused him to be Flayed, drawn on a Hurdle, and burnt alive. The names of those other wicked Pastors deserve as little to be inserted in History as in the Holy* 1.94 Canon: But the names of St. Roch, born of a noble Family at Montpellier, much

called upon in a time of Plague, of St. Gertrude, a Nun at Delft in Holland, of* 1.95 St. Peter of Luxemburgh made a Cardinal by Clement VII. Pope in Avignon, of John Peter Birelli General of the Chartreux, and Roger le Fort Archbishop of Bourges, of Peter d'Alenson of the Blood of France, who enroll'd himself in the Order of St. Francis, and was afterwards made a Cardinal much against his will, are worthy of—and immortal remembrance.

* 1.96 Besides the Begards, the Bisoches, and the Frerots who appeared in the former Age, and the Flagellants, of whom we are going to speak; if there had been any other errors in France we might have called them the Off-spring of School-Divinity. One John de Paris of the Jacobins Order, to whom they had given the nick-name of Point-lasne, subtilized I know not what Proposition touching the situation of the Body of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist; the Bishops, William of Paris, Gilles, of Bourges, and another William of Amiens, with the Doctors in Divinity having exa∣mined him, forbid him to teach any more.

In the fourth Tome of the Biblioth of the Fathers, we find that in Anno 1347. the Bishop of Paris together with the Doctors, condemned certain Propositions made by one John Mercaeur of the Order des Cisteaux touching Volition and the Will of our Lord, the causes of Sin, and other such like, which sounded but ill.

In the year 1348. we find that a Doctor named Nicholas d'Outrecour, was forced to retract from sixty Articles which he had framed upon divers Heads of Philosophy and Divinity, owning them to be false and Heretical, and the Books wherein they were contained were ordered to be torn and thrown into the Fire.

The year 1369. a Frier Minor named Denis Soulechat, had taught some errors concerning the renouncing of Temporal Goods, and about Charity, and the per∣fection of Love, which being condemned by the Faculty of Divinity; he appealed to the Pope, who confirmed their Judgment, and sent him back to Paris to retract them in the presence of John de Dormans Cardinal Bishop of Beauvais.

The great Plague which reigned over the whole Earth about the middle of this Age, begot a Spiritual one, which was the Sect of Flagellants, which taking birth in Hungary, spread it self in short time over Poland, Germany, France, and England. They carried a Cross in their Hands, and wore a Capouch on their Heads, were naked to their Wast, scourged themselves twice a day and once in the night with knotted Cords, stuck with sharp pointed Rowels, prostrating themselves upon the ground in form of a Cross, crying out for Mercy. Each Band had their Chief. These Pious beginnings degenerated into Heresie by their own pride, and their herd∣ing with the Begards, Rascals, and all sorts of idle People. They affirmed that their Blood was united in such manner to the Blood of Christ, that it had the same vertue, and that after thirty days scourging, all their Sins were remitted both as to the guilt and punishment, so that they did not care for the Sacraments. This phrensy lasted a great while in the subsequent Age, and neither the Censures of the Church, nor the Writings of Learned Doctors, nor the Edicts of their Princes, could purge the Brain of these melancholy Zealots.

There started up another sort of Hereticks that were more pleasant, but more in∣famous withall, in Dauphine and Savoy, they were called Turlupins. These lived with∣out any shame, like the Cynick Philosophers, prayed not but with their hearts, and believed that Men who were perfect ought to have a liberty of Spirit not subject to any Law.

That Opinion which Pope John XXII. endeavoured to set up touching the state of the Soul till the day of Judgment, had, it seems, been very common in the fore∣going Ages: but the World had examined and consider'd it better: so that for a long while it had passed for an error. The University therefore corrected the Holy Father in that point, and he not only desisted from it himself, but likewise gave a publick Act of his Retraction, whether upon King Philip de Valois his threats, who sent a Message to him in these very words, That* 1.97 if he did not retract, he would have him burnt, or rather his being better satisfied in the Point.

The grand Assemblies being formidable to all such as govern by absolute Autho∣rity, rather then by Law, there were very few Councils in this Age. I have told you to what end that of Vienne was held Anno 1311. some will have it a General one, because Pope Clement V. presided there, and it consisted of a great number of Bishops and Prelats.

In the year 1318. Robert de Courtenay Archbishop of Reims convened one at Seulis, where his eleven Suffragants were in Person, or by their Proxies. They there pronounced Excommunication against all those that were Usurpers or Detainers of the Churches Goods.

The Eighteenth of June of the year 1326. the Archbishops of Arles, Aix, and Embrun, assembled the Prelats of their Provinces in the Abby of St. Ruf* 1.98 near Avignon, to labour for the reformation of Manners, the establishment of Discipline, the preservation of Ecclesiastical Immunities, and the Hierarchial Authority over the Regulars.

Anno 1337. there was another at the same place and from the same Provinces, which treated about the same things. Pope Bennet XII. presided there.

That of Lavaur in the year 1368. composed of three Provinces, Narbona, Tou∣louze, and Ausch, and convened by the Authority of Pope Ʋrban V. had for their chief aim the reformation of Manners.

We must not omit that in the year 1377. King Charles V. used his intercession to Pope Gregory XI. to order it so, that the Bishoprick of Paris might be no longer subject to the Metropolis of Sens, and that it might be honoured with the Pall like the other Bishopricks in France. His Holiness excused himself as to the first point, as a thing too prejudicial to the Church of Sens, whereof Clement VI. his Uncle had been Archbishop, and where himself had held one of the highest Dignities: but for the second he willingly granted it. However we do not find that the Bishops of Paris ever thought of making use of it.

Charles VII. King LIII.

POPES,

• MARTIN V. Eight years five Months under this Reign.
• EUGENIUS IV. Elected the 15th of March 1431. S. sixteen years.
• NICOLAUS V. Elected the 12th of March 1447. S. eight years, wanting twelve days.
• CALIXTUS III. Elected in April 1455. S. three years three Months.
• PIUS II. Aeneas Silvius, Elected the 19th of August 1458. S. six years, whereof four under this Reign.

CHARLES VII. Called the Vctorious, King LIII. Aged Twenty years eight Months.

[Year of our Lord 1422] THE Dauphin was at the Castle of Espailly near du Puy in Auvergne, when he received the news of the death of his Father. The first day he put himself into Mourning: the second he Cloathed himself in Scarlet, and after he had heard Mass, in the same Chappel made them set up the Ban∣ner of France, upon sight whereof all those Lords that were then present with Pennons of their Arms, cried out Vive le Roy!

The English and the Burgundian held the best Provinces of France, they had Nor∣mandy entirely, and all that is between the Scheld even to the Loire and the Saosne; excepting some few places which Charles had yet here and there. As for his part he had only all that lies beyond the Loire, excepting Guyenne: but then he had all the Princes of the Blood on his side (the Burgundian excepted) the best Captains, and the bravest Adventurers or Volunteers; as the Bastard of Orleans, Taneguy du Chastel, James and John de Harcour, Lewis de Culan, Lewis de Gaucour, the Mare∣schals de la Fayete, de Rieux, de Severac, de Boussac, Poton de la Hire, Stephen de Vig∣noles-Saintrailles, Ambrose de Lore, William de Barbasan called the Knight without reproach, and a great many others: and indeed he purchased them at a dear rate; for he was constrained to engage his Castles and the best part of his Demeasnes in pawn for them. Now because during his first years he commonly resided in Berry, his Enemies nick-named him in raillery the King of Bourges.

[Year of our Lord 1422] In the beginning of November he was Crowned at Poitiers whither he had transfer'd his Parliament. The accident that hapned to him at Rochel some days before, was a kind of presage that he should fall into extream dangers, but yet should happily get out of them at last. Holding one day a grand Council in a House near the Walls of the City, the Floor sunk down under his Feet, James de Bourbon Lord de Preaux was crushed beneath the Ruines, divers others mightily bruised and hurt: they had much ado to pluck him out, but he had no other hurt then only some parts of his Skin rubb'd off.

In like manner at his first coming to the Crown all was in a tottering condition threatning to overwhelm him. The Duke of Bretagne enraged for that amongst the Papers belonging to the Lords de Pontieure they had found Orders, which authorized and warranted them to make him Prisoner, went his way to Amiens about mid-March

with his Brother Arthur Earl of Richmond, where he made a League against him with the Duke of Bedford and the Burgundian. These four Princes confirmed their Alliance by a double Marriage of the Duke of Bedford, and the Bretons Brother Arthur, with two of the Burgundians Sisters; he had seven in all, whereof six Mar∣ried, Arthur took the eldest named Marguerite, Widow of the Dauphin Lewis, and Bedford the fifth who was called Anne.

[Year of our Lord 1423] There appeared not the least glimpse of good fortune for King Charles, he re∣ceived melancholy news from all Quarters, the taking of Meulaue, Crotoy, Compeigne, and Basas in Gascongne. But the worst of all was that of the de••eat of his Men before the City of Crevant near Aux••rre. The Earl of Salisbury had laid Siege to it: the Constable de Bouchain and the Mareschal de Severac who went thither to relieve it were beaten, a thousand of their valiantest Soldiers lay dead upon the place, and almost as many led away Priseners, amongst whom were the Constable and the Count de Ven∣tadour.

[Year of our Lord 1423] The Birth of his first Child, which came into the World in the City of Bourges the fourth of July, did for a time afford him some consolation: This was a Son whom they named Lewis.

[Year of our Lord 1423] The Council of Constance had by their Forty four Session appointed a Council at Pavia for the year 1423. so few Prelats met there that they were sain to transfer it to Sienna. When they had held some Sessions, Alphonso King of Arragon endea∣voured by his Ambassadors to bring the business again on foot concerning the Anti-Pope Peter de Luna; which he did in revenge for that Martin V. had denied him the Investiture of the Kingdom of Naples, which he could not possibly grant him, because the Council of Constance had bestowed it on Lewis III. Duke of Anjou. Now Martin to prevent a Schism, could find no readier Expedient then to dissolve the Council, upon pretence of a Plague in the Neighbourhood, though there appeared no sign of it. But that it might not be suspected he in the least apprehended the Judgment of so Holy an Assembly, he assigned another in the City of Basle, or Basil, for the year 1430.

Some jealousie and mistrust arising, which afterwards grew up to hatred betwixt Jean* 1.99 Queen of Naples and Alphonso King of Arragon whom she had Adopted: This ungrateful Man endeavour'd to dispossess her, and carry her away by force into Ca∣talonia. They fell to open War, he held his Benefactress a long time besieged in one [Year of our Lord 1423] of the Castles at Naples, and without doubt had forced her to surrender, if Sforza had not come to deliver her. This offence, in respect of the publick, and according to strict Rules of Law, was cause enough to annul the Adoption. Jean (or Joan) therefore sets it aside, and by the advice of her Barons, gave the same right to Lewis III. Duke of Anjou, whom she immediately called into Italy, caused him to be owned by her Subjects, and gave him the Dutchy of Calabria.

[Year of our Lord 1424] The year 1424. proved not more happy to King Charles then the foregoing one had been. True it is that the Earl Douglas a Scot brought him four thousand Men, and the Duke of Milan sent him six hundred Lances, and twice as many Cross-bow∣men on foot: but they were almost as soon defeated as arrived. The Duke of Bed∣ford after the taking of some places, had besieged Yvry which had capitulated after the manner used in those times, to surrender upon the Twentieth day of August, if no Army appeared before that time expired, able to give battle. Upon this the Constable, the Duke of Alencon, and seventeen or eighteen Lords more, got all their Forces together, and marched near the Town of Yvry: but not daring hazard a battle, they went all to Verneuil, and made him that kept it for the English believe they had gained the Victory, and by this Stratagem wrought upon them to open the Gates to them.

The day astigned for the Battle being past, Yvry surrendred. Bedford the same moment went and sought them out under the very Walls of Verneuil, fought them and carried the day, having slain four thousand of their Men, and taken Prisoners the Duke of Alencon, the Mareschal de la Fayette, Lewis de Gaucour, and above three hundred Gentlemen. Amongst the dead were found Earl Douglas, and the Vicount de Narbonne. The Body of this last was quarter'd and set upon Stakes in several places, he being an Accomplice in the Murther of John Duke of Burgundy.

[Year of our Lord 1424] On the other hand the King drew over Arthur Earl of Richmond to his Party, with hopes by his means to regain the Duke of Bretagne. This Earl had ever a Soul devoted to France, and hated the English the more, for that he had offended them in making his escape from thence after the death of Henry V. pretending

the faith he had given, obliged him only to that King, but not to his Successor. He had afterwards patch'd up an agreement with the Duke of Bedford, at their enter∣view at Amiens: but that tye was too weak to hold him; he forsook them upon some little picquant words, which passed between him and the Duke of Bedford, and Treat∣ed with King Charles, perhaps, not without the instigation, or at least the consent of the Duke of Burgundy.

There were a great many precautions before he could adventure to come to Court, they were fain to give him Lords and Towns in Hostage. Having his securities he saw the King at Tours, but he obliged himself to nothing till he had taken advice of the Duke his Brother, the Dukes of Burgundy and Savoy.

After all these Formalities, he came to wait upon the King at Chinon, and from his hands received the Constables Sword in the Field of Chinon in presence of all the Lords the Seventeenth of March 1425. as the Bretons tell us, though there is a Chro∣nicle [Year of our Lord 1425] that says it was in the Month of November 1424.

He was positively promised the King would dismiss all those that were of Counsel for the Murther committed at Montereau, and in that for seizing the Duke of Bre∣tagne. The most fixed of all these was Lonvet the President of Provence who had an ambition to govern in despite of all the Grandees. He chose rather to be the ruine of his Master whom he had strangely fetter'd, then to be thrust away from him, so that [Year of our Lord 1425] he found means by his contrivances to animate him against the Constable: but the Constable made his Party so good, that the King found himself abandoned of all the Grandees, and all his places refused obedience to him, excepting Selles and Vierzon.

Then he saw it was high time to discharge Louvet and all the rest. Taneguy ge∣nerously sacrificing his fortune to serve his King, begged leave to be gone as his Re∣ward. Louvet upon his retreat, as his Master-piece of Court-craft, put the Lord de Gyac in his place.

The Constable had no little ado to reconcile himself to the King, who fled before him that he might not see him. At length he suffers him to approach that he might get assistance of the Breton. Who being in the end satisfied by the expulsion of his Enemies, came to him at Saumur, rendred him Homage, and gave him his Contract, and the Contracts of all the Lords within his Dutchy under Hand and Seal, com∣manding them to go upon his Service. They did him but little good, but they might [Year of our Lord 1425] have done him a great deal of hurt.

The Seventh of September, Charles the Noble King of Navarre ended his Life; Blanch his only Daughter Married to John the Brother of Alphonso King of Arragon was his Heiress.

[Year of our Lord 1424, and 25.] As on the one hand these Broils prejudiced the Affairs of King Charles, on the other hand the Quarrel which hapned between the Duke of Burgundy and the Duke of Gloucester, about Jacqueline Countess of Hainault and the Duke of Brabant her lawful Husband, did much retard, nay set back those of the English, forasmuch as it diverted the Forces of those two Princes, who would undoubtedly have wholly subdued France, had they joyned them to the Duke of Bedfords. Jacqueline would not endure that the Duke of Brabant, whom she affirmed was nothing to her, should enjoy her Lands; and the Duke of Gloucester who had Married her, did serve and assist her in that Quarrel. The Duke of Bedford desiring not to distaste the Duke of Burgundy, endeavour'd to patch up some agreement between the Parties: the Duke of Brabant submitted, but Gloucester regarded it not, but still pursued the right of his pretended Wife with Sword in hand.

[Year of our Lord 1424, and 25.] He and the Burgundian pickered by Letters, and went on so far as to defie each other to a Personal Combat, agreeing upon the time, the place, and the Weapons. The Duke of Bedford having assembled the chiefest of the French and English Lords, brought that Challenge to nothing, and declared that there was no just or legal cause for Combat. And to testifie to the Burgundian that he had no hand in the Enterprizes of his Brother, he desired they might see one another at Dourlens, as they did upon the Eve of St. Peters day.

This did not hinder them from making a brisk War in Holland, where the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Burgundy tried their Forces: but at two years end, the Pope having declared that the Marriage of Jacqueline with the Duke of Gloucester was of no value, that Prince desisted from his prosecution, and Married a Damlet whom he entertain'd.

[Year of our Lord 1425] The English had taken and fortified the City of Pontorson nigh Auranches, from whence they perpetually molested Bretagne; the Constable laid siege to it and re∣gained it in a short time. He was not so happy at Saincte James de Beuveron which they had repaired: His Soldiers having forsaken him for want of their pay, he made a shameful retreat and left all his Artillery and Equipage to the Enemy. Pontorson was afterwards besieged by the English, and having surrender'd, the Duke of Bedford came to the Frontiers of Bretagne with a great Army: upon which the Duke was so astonished that he renounced the Alliance he had made with France, returned to that with England, and promised to do Homage to King Henry.

[ ✚.] The shocks great Captains meet with, does often times proceed from the malice [Year of our Lord 1426] and envy of those that are of the Kings Council, whose care and province it is to pro∣vide for the subsistance and payment of the Armies. The Constable knew that Gyac was the cause of his disaster, because in stead of sending him Money, he stop'd the current from running that way, and diverted it to his own use, and entertained his Prince in solitude and private pleasures, that he alone might enjoy his Person and his Favours. For this reason in the Month of January following he went with a strong hand to surprize him in his Bed at Issoudun, and after some slight formalities of Justice, caused his Head to be cut off, or as others relate, drowned him.

[Year of our Lord 1426] Another Gentleman named le Camus de Beaulieu, undertook to supply the place of Gy••c, and tread in his footsteps: some while after People were amazed to see the Constable rid himself of him, as he had done of the other. The Mareschal de Bouslac by his order, slew him in the open Street, and almost in the Kings sight, in the City of Poitiers.

He remembred too well what the Favourites had contrived at Montereau, and against the Duke his Brother; wherefore he would suffer none to be near the King of whom he was not well assured, he therefore places the Lord de la Trimouille at Court, whom he judged to have sentiments contrary to the two former, his House owing all their good fortunes and rise to the Dukes of Burgundy.

But this Man soon blinded with his new fortune, as well as those whose post he now had taken, he kept the Princes as much at distance as he possibly could, so that even the Constable himself retired into Bretagne. This proceeded to a kind of a War, which divided the Court and retarded all the Kings Affairs for seven or eight Months.

[Year of our Lord 1426, and 27.] It would be endless to take notice of all the Sieges, Fights, and Enterprizes in these Wars both Foreign and Domestick. There was not a City or Burrough but had Garrisons, Forts and Castles were built in all convenient places, upon Hills, on Rivers, in narrow ways, and in the open Fields. Every Lord had his Soldiers, or to speak more properly, his Bands of Robbers, who maintained themselves by feeding on the poor Country People. I shall therefore mention only the most remarkable Events, in this place, that the French raised the Siege of Montargis in the year 1426. and the year after recovered the City of Manse, which had been taken by the English during the divisions of the Court.

The Siege of Orleance was yet much more memorable and more important. The [Year of our Lord 1428] Earl of Salisbury having brought new Forces out of England, began it upon the Twelfth of October of the year 1428. and made several Bastilles or Forts, as well on the side towards la Beausse as that towards Soulogne, having before cleared all the places in la Beauasse, and all others for twelve or fifteen Leagues both above and be∣neath the Town along the River of Loire.

[Year of our Lord 1428] All the year 1428. the Duke of Burgundy was busied in the Low-Countries in pursute of Jacqueline of Bavaria. He followed her so close, that having besieged her in the City of Ghent, he compell'd her to declare him Heir to all her Lands, so that to Flanders and Artois he joyned Hainault, Holland, Zealand, and Frise; and again the same year, the Earldoms of Namur and Zutphen, after the death of Count Theodoric, who sold them to him, only reserving the possession to himself during his life time. Two years after, in Anno 1430. there likewise fell to him the Dutchies of Lothier, Brabant and Linbourgh, the Marquissate of the Holy Empire, and the Lordship of Antwerp, by the decease of his Cousin Philip of Burgundy, the second Son of Anthony, who had succeeded to Duke John his elder Brother, Husband of Jaqueline, who died in the year 1426.

In the beginning of this year he went to Paris to the Duke of Bedford; whither came also some Ambassadors from King Charles, and Deputies from Orleans, to intreat him that he would suffer the said City to be sequestred into the hands of the Duke of Burgundy. They remonstrated that the Princes of the House of Orleans who were Prisoners in England, could have acted nothing, for which they ought to be dispoiled

of their Towns, and that it would he sufficient to put them under Sequestration as a security for what they should do, when they were set at liberty.

The English believing this important City was now as good as their own, scoffed at the request: they would not lose the time and Money they had expended in the Siege; Besides Bedford granted but very little of those things which the Burgundian demanded. However that he might not be exposed between two Enemies without any Party to support him, he put on the masque of an apparent satisfaction upon the face of his discontent.

Their attaques at Orleans were very brave, and the defence of the Besieged much braver yet; the Earl of Salisbury lost his life by a Cannon shot: but the French ha∣ving been beaten near Rouvroy at their falling upon a Convoy of Herrings* 1.100 which was going to the Camp, it was in Lent, and the Constable being retired Malecontent into Bretagne, the place was just going to fall, and the courage of all the French with it. The King was already diposing himself to retire into Dauphine; When a most extraordinary thing, pulled down the English pride, and raised up the hopes of France.

About the end of February the Lord de Baudricourt Governor of Vaucouleurs in Champagne, sent a Maiden to the King, about the age of Eighteen or twenty years, who affirmed that she had an express Commission from God to relieve Orleans, and cause him to be Crowned at Reims, being sollicited thereto by the frequent appari∣tions of Angels and Saints. She was named Joan or Jane, was Native of the Vil∣lage of Damremy upon the Meuse, Daughter of James of Ave and Isabella Gautier, and bred to keep Sheep in the Country. Her Vocation was confirmed by miracu∣lous proofs, for she knew the King, though meanly habited, amidst the throng, from all his Courtiers. The Doctors of Divinity and those that were of the Parlia∣ment who examined her, declared that there was somewhat of Supernatural in her behaviour; She sent for a Sword that lay in the Tomb of a Knight, behind the high Altar in the Church of St. Catharine de Fierbois, upon the Blade whereof were several Crosses and Flower-de-Luces graved; and the King openly affirmed that she had devined a very great secret, not known to any but himself.

They gave her therefore a suitable Equipage and some Forces; yet did they not trust the conduct of this relief to her management, but gave it to the Mareschal de Rieux, and the Bastard of Orleans, followed by many other brave Knights who un∣derstood the Trade. When she had display'd her Banner whereon there were two Images, one a Crucifix, the other the Annunciation with the Sacred Names of Jesus-Maria, she wrote to the English in the name of God, That they should leave the Kingdom to the Lawful Heir, if not, then she would make them go perforce. But they kept her Herauld Prisoner. He was found in Fetters when the City was relieved, and it was discover'd that they intended to have burnt him as a Confederate of hers whom they called a Witch.

[Year of our Lord 1429] The success made good her threatnings. From that very day all their Affairs de∣clined; When she had thrown Provisions into Orleans, and soon after entred the City in Person, the Besieged believing her to be sent from Heaven, resumed courage, made divers Salleys, where she fought valiantly, and in two or three days took their chief Bastilles, and constrained them to decamp for good and all the Twelfth day of May.

The French ran up and down every where with this Heroine as to a certain Victo∣ry, the English fled before her as from a Thunder-Bolt, and durst not stand her ap∣proach. They were chaced from Jargeau, from Beaugency, beaten at Patay in Beausse upon a retreat, and in fine dislodged from all the places in those Countries.

[Year of our Lord 1429] Touching the second point of her Commission, she over-ruled it in the Council that the King should go to Reims to be Crowned, though that City and all Champagne were yet in the Enemies power. In their passage Auxerre, Troyes, and Chaalons surrendred to the King, then the City of Reims it self, (as soon as ever those Lords that held it for the Duke of Burgundy, were gone forth to fetch some assistance from Burgundy) he was Crowned upon a Sunday being the Seventh day of July by Renauld de Chartres Archbishop of that City and their Chancellor.

[Year of our Lord 1429] In recompence of these so important Services, the King Ennobled the Pucelle, her Father and her three Brothers, and all their Descendants even by the Females, changed the name of their Race, which was of Arc into that of de-Luce, or Lily, and for their Coat of Arms gave them a Field Azure with a Sword placed in Pal, the Cross and Pumel Or, accosted with two Flowers-de-Luce, and sustaining a Crown of the same upon its point.

[Year of our Lord 1429] Upon his return they gave him up Laon, Soissons, Beauvais, Compiegne, Crespy, and all the Cities even to Paris. The Duke of Bedford came and presented him Battle in the Plain of Montepilloy; the Armies were in sight, but parted after some Skirmishes. From thence he went to assault St. Denis, and made an attempt upon Paris; his Men were repulsed with loss, and the Pucelle wounded at the foot of the Wall.

She was willing to have returned to her own Village, after she had executed the two points of her Mission: but was overpersuaded by the Soldiery to stay with them: which succeeded not so well for her, Heaven being not obliged to assist her in what it had not commanded her to undertake.

That attempt failing, the King takes his march towards Berry. En passant he re∣covered Lagny upon the Marne. Soon after he made his approach near Burgundy, thinking to conclude an Agreement which was Negociating at Auxerre with the Duke: but the business was not ripe.

But his good fortune was put to some kind of stand, by the differences at Court which lasted almost a year, concerning the Vicounty of Touars, which the Lord de la Trimouille had usurped, and held Lewis d'Amboise in Prison, whose Cause the Con∣stable had taken in hand, as being of his Kindred. La Trimouille had so prepossessed the Kings mind, that he made him turn his Sword against his Constable; and by this means gave the English time to breath.

The raising the Siege of Orleans had not much troubled the Duke of Burgundy, if he had not found the Kings success go on with greater speed then he desired. He was little less amazed at this suddain revolution, then the Duke of Bedford. He who had lately scorned his intercession in the Affair of Orleans, began to seek and court him with submission and earnest application. On the other hand the Kings Agents offer'd him an Accommodation, and granted him a Pass-port to come to Paris, upon some hopes they had that he would reduce them to the obedience of the King. But when he had conferr'd with the Duke of Bedford, he found it better to renew with the English, who gave him a Blanc, and together with that the Countries of Champagne and Brie, only the Homage reserved.

[Year of our Lord 1429, and 30.] The Duke of Savoy and Lewis de Chalon Prince of Orange and Partisans of the Duke of Burgundy, had promised to themselves to share the Country of Dauphine betwixt them: Grenoble and the Mountains, were to have been the Dukes, and Vien∣nois for the Prince Lewis de Gaucour Governor of that Country for the King soon spoiled the Market; He gained a great Battle between Colombiez and Anton against the Prince, slew and took eight hundred Gentlemen, and afterwards seized upon all the places he held in those Countries. It is related that in the rout, the Prince chose rather to leap into the Rhosne on Horseback, Armed, and venture to swim over, then fall into the Enemies hands.

[Year of our Lord 1429] Towards the end of this year 1429. the City of Sens was reduced to the obe∣dience of King Charles. Melun recover'd themselves, by shutting their Gates against the Garrison who had been making inroads in Gastinois. The Kings kindness to such Cities as returned to him, was a great bait for others to do the same.

[Year of our Lord 1430] At his departure from Paris the Burgundian returned to the Low-Country, where on the Tenth of January he Wedded in second Marriage Isabella Daughter of John I. King of Portugal. Then was it that to grace the Solemnity at Bruges, he instituted the most illustrious Order of the Golden Fleece, composed only of thirty Compagnions or Knights; nor did he quite fill up that number, making then but twenty four. The King of Spain as Heir to the House of Burgundy, holds it an honour to be their Chief, and maintains it in all its splendour, not only by the great dignity of those on whom he bestows it, but likewise by not making it cheap by too great a multi∣tude.

[Year of our Lord 1430] Amongst the many Sieges in every Province, that of Compeigne was the most re∣markable for the disgrace the Burgundians met with, as being forced to raise it, and much more yet by the Pucelles misfortune, who was there taken Prisoner the Four and twentieth day of May, upon their retreat after a Salley made, the misfortune hapning to her by the imprudence or else the malice of William de Flavy Governor of the place, who shut her out of the Barricado. She fell into the hands of a Gentleman of Picardy, who sold her to John de Luxemburgh one of the Generals, he sold her again to the English for the Sum of Ten thousand Livers ready Money, and five hundred Livers yearly pension.

[Year of our Lord 1430] The wonders of this Shepherdess having succeeded so well at Orleans, as we have mentioned, Renaud de Chartres Chancellor of France, the Mareschal de Boussiac, and

Poton de Saintrailles, resolved to go to Rouen upon the faith of a simple Shepherd, who told them that God had sent him to lead them into that place: but the English having notice of it, way-laid and fought them in their march, defeated part of them and took Poton Prisoner.

[Year of our Lord 1431] An Arragonian Captain named Francis de Surienne, who was in the English Service, surprized the City of Montargis after this manner. Having made himself familiar with a Damsel who was in Love with the Governors Barber, he promised her great Sums of Money, and a Contract of Marriage, if she would introduce his Men into the place thorough her House which was adjoyning to the Wall. The Damsel gained the Barber with the temptation of Money, without mention of the other part con∣cerning her Marriage; Both of them assisted the English in setting up their Ladders, and getting in: but the place being once taken they were turned out, for fear they might play the same trick again by some bargain for the French, and got nothing but scoffs and reproaches for reward.

[Year of our Lord 1431] In exchange the French surprized the City of Chartres, by the contrivance of a Fellow that carried Goods in a Wheele-barrow. Whilst he pester'd the Draw∣bridge with his load of Merchandize, a hundred Men running out of a Cellar hard by, where they had lain hid that night, and upon a Signal by them given, the Bastard of Orleans and Gaucour who were within a League, hastned thither with three thou∣sand Men. The Garrison without striking a blow sled to Evreux by another Gate. Some Burghers made resistance by the example of their Bishop (John de Fritigny) a zealous Burgundian, but he was slain with his Weapon in hand upon the steps of the great Church.

The Pucelle was a Prisoner of War, and they could use her no otherwise without violating the common right of all People. But the English too much enraged for their being beaten by a Maiden, could not endure her glory who caused their shame. They thought to repair their honour by branding her with infamy; so that having obliged that remnant of an University which yet remained at Paris, to make a Re∣quest to their King, desiring Justice might pass upon her, they carried her to Rouen, and accused her in the Ecclesiastical Court, for a Witch, a Seducer, an Heretick, and one that had forfeited her honour.

Those were the four heads of her Accusation, but which they proved very ill, as being unable to make out any thing clearly against her, but only that she cloathed her self in the habit of a Man, and had taken up Arms, which they imputed a Crime, because, said they, that change of habit stained the modsty of her Sex, and flatly contradicted the express command of God against it. Peter Cauchon Bishop of Beau∣vais, in whose Bishoprick she was taken, the Vicar to the Inquisition, some Doctors in Divinity and Canon Law, were her Judges; the Chapter of Rouen during the vacancy of the See, lending them place.

After divers captious interrogatories, they condemned her to perpetual impri∣sonment, the bread of sorrow and bitter water of affliction: but the English not being satisfied with moderate injustice, pressed them so earnestly that some days after∣wards they said she had relapsed in putting on the Habit of a Man again, Excommu∣nicated her and delivered her over to the Secular Power, who burnt her alive the Thirtieth day of May in the Market place of Rouen.

Being on the Pile of Faggots she foretold the English that the hand of God was lifted up to strike them, and that his Justice would not only drive them out of France, but pursue them even into England, and make them suffer the same cala∣mities and mischiefs they had inflicted on the French. It is related that her heart was found entire amongst the ashes, and that a milk white Dove was observed to fly out of the midst of the flames, a token of her innocency and her purity.

[Year of our Lord 1431]

Charles Duke of Lorrain died in the year 1430. without any Male Children. There was a debate for the succession between Antony Earl of Vaudemont his Brother, who pretended that Dutchy was Masculine, and Rene d'Anjou already Duke of Bar, who had Married Isabella, who was but the third Daughter of Duke Charles, but the two elder had renounced the Dutchy. The Burgundian in hatred to the House of Anjou, the capital Enemy to his, and the Duke of Savoy his Allie, assisted An∣tony, and fortune was kind to him in the Battle that was fought between Bullegueville and Neufchastel in Lorrain. For Rene's Army was totally routed, Lord Bazan a great Soldier slain, and Rene taken and led away to Dijon to the Duke of Burgundy, who detained him till the year 1437.

[Year of our Lord 1431] After the death of the Pucelle the English Affairs went still worse and worse. To remedy this they brought their young King to Paris, and Crowned him with a double Crown in Nostre-Dame the Twenty seventh of November; and withal the better to retain the Duke of Burgundy, who was ready to start from them, they con∣firmed the donation of the Countries of Brie and Champagne to him.

[Year of our Lord 1431] The Lord de la Trimouille made ill use still of his favour and interest against the Con∣stable and the rest of the Lords. One day, he being with the King at the Castle of Chinon, they by confederacy brought two hundred Men in thither, who took him in his Bed, gave him a wound in the Belly, and led him Prisoner to the Castle of Mon∣tresor. The Queen her self consented to it, and therefore soon appeased the King: and that his fancy which never could be satisfied without some particular favourite might not be left unfurnished, she helped Charles of Anjou Earl of Mayne to gain the Kings good will and more then ordinary kindness. La Trimou lle was not set free till he deliver'd up the City of Touars, which he had usurped, and the King in an As∣sembly of the Estates at Tours owned all that had been done in respect to him.

[Year of our Lord 1431]

By vertue of what had been ordained at Pavia by the Council and the Pope, the Council of Basle* 1.101 began this year upon the Three and twentieth of July under En∣genius IV. who newly succeeded to Martin V. There was never any good corres∣pondence between him and the Fathers of this holy Assembly. For if on their part the Fathers at the very first gave him to understand that they would put some curb to his Authority, by stoutly maintaining that ancient rule, That the Council is above the Pope: he on his part made them know that his greatest desire was to dismiss or dissolve them. But as he could not so suddenly do it, because the Emperor upheld them, he was obliged to confirm the Council after two years of Contro∣versies.

[Year of our Lord 1431, 32, 33, and the following.] The War was carried in all the Provinces of France with various success, but very feebly. Do not wonder to see it languish in this manner for seven or eight years to∣gether, the weakness of both Parties was the cause thereof; they wanting Money could set no great Armies on foot. Add to this the weakness of the two Kings, Henry of England for his minotity, and Charles of France for the easiness of his mind, still held in leading-strings by his Favourites and Mistresses.

[Year of our Lord 1431]

The Twenty fourth of November in the year 1431. Lewis of Anjou King of Naples, died at Cosenza in Calabria without any Issue. The Second of February the year following, Queen Joan, or Jane, ended her life also, and left Rene the Brother of Lewis to inherit her Kingdom. The Pope confirmed this Institu∣tion; but as Rene was yet a Prisoner to the Duke of Burgundy, Alphonso King of Arragon had full leisure to seize upon the Kingdom. In this Jane ended the first Branch of Anjou, which had produced above thirty other Sprigs, furnished Hun∣gary and Poland with Kings, and lasted near two hundred years.

[Year of our Lord 1434] Ame VIII. Duke of Savoy, wearied with the noise and perplexity of Soveraignty, had made his retreat to the delicious Hermitage built by himself at Ripailles, and taken on the habit of a Hermit with two more Gentlemen his Confidents, having resigned his Estates to Charles his Son Earl of Geneva, whom he had Married some years before to Anne Daughter of Janus King of Cyprus.

[Year of our Lord 1435] Amongst an infinite number of petty Combats hapning within these two or three years, I do not meet with any that was considerable but that of Gerbroy a little City near Beauvais. Saintraille and la Hyre had undertaken to fortifie it, and the English to hinder them; These although three times more in number, were beaten, the Earl of Arundel their Achilles mortally wounded with a Culverin Shot in his Heel, and eight hundred of their Men left dead upon the place.

[Year of our Lord 1434, and 35.] The earnest intreaties of the Council and the Pope to the Duke of Burgundy, did at length incline his good nature to shew his just resentment, and to take pitty of the miseries of France. His Treaty had been first begun and rough drawn by Ame Duke of Savoy, who in the year 1423. had mediated a Truce between the King and him, for the Dutchies of Burgundy and the Earldom of Nevers on the one part, and Bourbonnois, Beaujolois, Lyonnois and Forez on the other. Then it proceeded a little further at Nevers in the interview of Charles Duke of Bourbon and the Burgundian, whose Sister Charles had Married. These two Princes having accommodated those Affairs that were between them, concerning the Homage for some Lands which the

Duke of Bourbon refused to render him, and for which they had made a rude War for some time, began to fall into discourse of the Affairs of the whole Kingdom, and agreed together that there should be a Conference held at Arras, to find out the best means for procuring Peace between the two Crowns, and between the King and the Burgundian.

[Year of our Lord 1435] According to this Resolution there was held at Arras the greatest and the most noble Assembly that ever this Age had heard of. All the Princes of Christendom had their Ambassadors there, the Pope and the Council each their Legats; The Harbingers took up Stabling for ten thousand Horse. This was opened the Sixth day of the Month of August.

[Year of our Lord 1435] The Duke was obliged in honour not to Treat without the English, provided they would be satisfied with reasonable Conditions. They were profer'd Normandy and Guyenne, if they would do Homage for them: but when he found they would re∣linquish nothing of their Pretensions, he disengaged himself from them, and made a separate Treaty, the Popes Legat having absolved him of that saith he had given them. The Popes did often practise this, believing it a part of the power which our Lord Jesus Christ had given, to bind and unbind. Here is the Summary of the chiefest Articles.

The King by his Ambassadors disown'd that he had consented to the Murther of Duke John, wickedly perpetrated and by wicked Counsel, for which he was sorry with all his heart; Promised he would do justice, and cause such as were guilty to be prosecuted whom the Duke should name to him; That if they could not be taken, he would banish them from the Kingdom for ever, and never admit them upon any Treaty.

He obliged himself to build for the Soul of the deceased Duke, the Lord de Novailles, and of all those that died since in that quarrel, a Chappelat Montereau on the place where the Body of that Duke lay interred, to set up a Cross on the Bridge, to found a Monastery or Chartreuse where should be twelve Friers, and a high Mass that should be sung every year in the Church at Dijon. To pay fifty thousand Gold Crowns, at 24 Carats, &c. for the Goods and Equipage taken, when the Duke was Murther'd.

Moreover he relinquished and acquitted him of all Homage due for any Lands he held of the Crown, and his Service and Personal Assistance during his life.

Gave him to perpetuity for him and his Heirs Males and Females, the Countries of Mascon and Auxerre, the Lordship of St. Jengon, the Bailliwick of St. Laurence, the Castlewick, or Chastelleny of Bar upon the Seine, and as security for four hun∣dred thousand Crowns, payable at two certain terms, the Chastellenies of Peronne, Roye, and Montdidier: and the Cities of the Somme, that is St. Quentin, Corbie, Amiens, Abeville and others. As also the County of Pontieu on either side the Somme, and the enjoyment of the County of Boulogne for him and the Heirs Male of his Body, with all the Rights of Tailles, Gabelles, and Imposts, all profits of Courts of Justice, of the Regalia and all others arising from all those Countries.

That the Burgundians should not be obliged to quit the St. Andrews Cross, even when they were in the Kings Army; That in case of any contravention of the Sub∣jects both of the one and other of these Princes should be absolved from their Oaths of Fidelity, and should take up Arms against the Infringer; That the King should tender his submissions for the compleating of this Treaty into the hands of the Le∣gats from the Pope and the Council, upon pain of Excommunication, Reagrava∣tion, Interdiction of his Lands, and all other to which the Censures of the Church can extend; That to the same purpose he should give the Seals of the Princes of his Blood, the Grandees of the State, the most noted Prelats, and the greatest and chiefest Cities.

[Year of our Lord 1435] And to make this Reconciliation the more firm and durable, there was added the promise to bestow Catharine the Kings Daughter, upon Charles Earl of Charolois the Dukes Son, both as yet very young. Four years after they sent this Princess to the Duke of Burgundy to compleat the Marriage.

[Year of our Lord 1435] Besides this weighty blow which amazed the English much, they received another, which was the death of the Duke of Bedford Regent in France, after whom they never had any but Men that were very violent, hare-brain'd, without either prudence or conduct. The French in the mean time time took Diepe by Escalado; and the kind usage they shewed to the Inhabitants brought them all the places of the Country of Caux.

[Year of our Lord 1435] At the same time, which was about the last day of September, died the Queen Mother Isabella de Baviere, in the Hostel de Saint Pol at Paris, where she lived in a mean condition since the time of her Husbands death, justly hated by the French, and in∣gratefully despised by the English. Some have written that to save the expences of her Funeral, they conveyed her Corps in a small Boat to St. Denis, attended only by four People. Her death is attributed to an inward grief occasioned by the outrageous railleries of such as delighted to tell her face, that King Charles was not the Son of her Husband.

[Year of our Lord 1435, and 36,] One of the greatest faults they committed, after they had refused the offers made them at Arras, was their not treating the Duke of Burgundy well, their giving him re∣proachful language, and not suffering him to be Neuter as he desired; but to fall on his People wherever they met them, endeavouring to surprize his places, and harrasing him so perpetually that at length they constrained him to become their utter Enemy.

The Parisians comparing the pride and wretchedness of these Strangers with the courtesie and magnificence of their Natural Kings, could no longer endure them; or if any thing did yet with-hold them, it was some remainders of that affection they preserved for the Duke of Burgundy; But this knot being broken, they now sought no∣thing but the opportunity to free themselves from their Bondage.

[Year of our Lord 1436] The English having therefore been beaten at St. Denis by the Constable, the honest Citizens of Paris took that opportunity to treat about their surrender to him. Ha∣ving obtained an Act of Oblivion and the confirmation of their Priviledges in such form as they desired, they introduced him by the Gate called St. James; This was on the Friday after Easter. When he was entred, the People fell upon the English on all hands, crying out, a la queue * 1.102; Many had their Brains beaten out in the Streets, the rest escaped to the Bastille, where they made composition. All the little Neighbouring Forts were an Accessory to this Reduction.

In the Month of August following, the King recalled the Parliament, the Chambre des Comptes and the University thither.

The English had declared themselves Enemies to the Duke of Burgundy by all Acts of Hostility upon his Countreys, and by underhand-dealings to stir his Subjects up to Rebellion, in those days very much knit to and concerned for England, as well by Com∣merce and Trade as out of a real hatred they had towards the French. He would therefore needs revenge himself by taking of Calais, which he esteemed no great difficulty, and laid Siege to it with a numerous Army. In the midst of this Enterprize, the Flemmings finding it spin out to a great length, fell into an imagination that they were betray'd, and herding together in several small parcels, on a suddain made up all their packs in great confusion, leaving their Provisions and Artillery behind for want of Waggons to carry them off. All that their Duke could possibly do for them, was to cover them with his Cavalry, le••t the English should have charged them, and after that to follow them.

The Duke of Gloucester, who had sent word that he was coming to give him Battle, not finding him there, entred into Flanders, where he increased their former jealousie by his burning all those places he came near.

[Year of our Lord 1437] It was impossible for Rene of Anjou to obtain his liberty of the Duke of Burgundy, without paying him an extraordinary Ransom, yielding up several places, and con∣senting to a Marriage between his eldest Daughter whose name was Yoland, as then but nine years old, and Ferry eldest Son of Anthony Earl of Vaudemont, the means whereby Lorrain returned to the Males of that House.

[Year of our Lord 1437] In the interim they carried the King into Lyonnois and Dauphine to make Moneys in those Countries; and the following year he went even to Languedoc for the same end. Upon his return he laid Siege to Montereau Faut-yonne which submitted not till after a long resistance. From thence he came to make his entrance into his good City of [Year of our Lord 1437] Paris the fourth of November; and then he might truly call himself King of France, having replanted his Throne in the capital City of his Kingdom.

[Year of our Lord 1438] These long and tedious Wars did necessarily produce great licentiousness and daily Robberies. The Soldiers not being paid lived at discretion, and the extream scarcity of all things, rendred them most inhumane. There were divers Bands, commanded even by the Kings best Officers, who under colour of seeking for subsistence, ran from Province to Province, rifling all they could lay lands on. Those called Escor∣cheurs * 1.103, and then the Redondeurs * 1.104, committed strange disorders.

By these ravages, the flight of the Husbandmen and Peasants who neither ploughed nor sowed, and the continual Rains during two years, 1437, and 38. ensued a great Famine, and then a horrible Mortality over all France, especially at Paris and its

Neighbourhood. That City was so depopulated the Wolves came and devoured Children even in the midst of the Street St. Anthoine. They were forced that they might rid themselves of those Beasts greedy of humane Flesh, to make Proclamation that any one should have twenty Solz a piece for every head of a Wolfe they brought to the Magistrate.

Pope Eugenius and the Council of Basil, were imbroiled to that height, that Eugenius declared the Council dissolved, and called another to Ferrara; and on the other hand the Prelats that were at Basil having summon'd him divers times to come thither, began to think of deposing him, with the greater confidence, for that the Most Christian King seemed then to favour them, having forbid the Pre∣lats of the Gallican Church from going to Ferrara.

[Year of our Lord 1438]

This Discord in the end turned to a Schism, he that might have extinguisht it hapning to die. I mean the Emperor Sigismond who ended his days in Moravia the* 1.105 Eighth of November 1437. Albertus Duke of Austria his Son in Law, succeeded him in the Kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia, and the year following in the Empire by the suffrages of the Electors.

The Clergy of France, ever since the translation of the Holy See to Avignon, had suffered infinite oppressions by the Court of Rome. And therefore the King having assembled them at Bourges to find out some way to reconcile the Pope to the Council; who had each sent their Legats: they embraced the opportunity which they could never have since the Council of Constance, and made their remonstrances touching those insupportable abuses. The King desiring to provide against it, or∣der'd them to apply the most convenient remedies. To this end, by advice of his Council, they framed that so celebrated Reglement, called the Pragmatique, which preventing any the like Enterprizes of the Court of Rome, might well be termed the Bulwark of the Gallican Church.

[Year of our Lord 1439]

Eugenius transferr'd his Council of Ferrara to Florence, where they treated con∣cerning the uniting the Greek to the Latine Church, their Emperor John VI. assisting with a good number of his most illustrious Prelats. But in the mean while those who were assembled at Basil, though reduced to a small number, and not well agreed amongst themselves, deposed Eugenius and elected Ame VIII. Duke of Savoy, who had retired himself, as was before related, to the solitude of Ripaille. France, Germany, and most part of the West paid their obedience to him during the life of Eugenius: but after his death, all of them almost turned to Nicholas V.

Two years after Rene was delivered from captivity, he went into his Kingdom of Naples, where according to the example of his Predecessors, his entrance was very happy, but his exit very different.

[Year of our Lord 1439] The Siege of Meaux by the Constable, although long and full of difficulty succeeded happily for the French; but that of Auranches in the Lower Normandy, being ill ma∣naged by the same Person and the Duke of Alenson, brought them nothing but shame: the English having made them raise it, and taken part of their Bagage and their Ammunition.

At the Sollicitation of the Dutchess of Burgundy and the Popes Legats, a great Conference was held between Graueline and Calais, the Deputies of France, England, and those of Burgundy meeting, to treat about a Peace. The English not receding from that Condition, that Normandy and their other Conquests should be left to them in full Soveraignty, they parted without doing any thing in it.

[Year of our Lord 1440] The King by inclination was well enough disposed for the good of his Country: and we observe that from this very time even to the Reign of Henry II. the Kings did often and willingly make use of this term, The Publick Concerns of Our Kingdom. This year he held a great Assembly of Notables and Deputies of the Lords of the Estates at Orleans, where it was resolved that a Peace should be endeavoured, without which all designs for reformation would be useless and indeed impossible, and that in the mean while the Souldiery should be all reduced into Companies established and well regu∣lated, every Gentdarm to three Horses, who should be paid every Month. Before this they had seven or eight, and a great number of Roguy-boys who devoured all the Country where-ever they passed.

[Year of our Lord 1440] This reform could not be pleasing to the Grandees nor Captains who grew fat by eating up the People, whose misery was their happiness. They interrupted it by a dangerous Commotion which was named La Praguerie. The Dukes of Alenson, Bourbon, Vendosme, the Bastard of Orleans and divers others had a hand in it. They complained that the King allowed no share in his Government, but to three or four private Per∣sons; and thereupon entred into a League against his Ministers. La Trimouille who

was in disgrace joyned also with them, that so he might by any means whatever be brought into play again at Court.

[Year of our Lord 1440] The Conspiracy being made, the Duke of Alenson hies to Niort to debauch the Dauphin, who was his Godson, aged but Sixteen years, but Married already to Marguerit Daughter of James I. King of Scotland, and turned away the Count de Perdriac his Governor, and all those the King had placed about him. The King ran immediately to quench this new lighted Fire; after he had well provided his Fron∣tiers against any attempts of the English, he takes the Field accompanied with his Constable, the Earls de la Marche, and Dunois, whom he had drawn off from that League, with eight hundred Men at Arms, and three thousand others. He pursued the Leagued so smartly into Poitou, and from Poitou into Bourbonnois, taking all the places where they thought to stand at Bay and make Head, that they were forced to give up his Son to him, and come and beg his pardon on their knees.

[Year of our Lord 1440] A marvellous change: Charles Duke of Orleans who was detained Prisoner in England for five and twenty years, was delivered from captivity by that hand from which he had the least hopes in the world to expect it; It was by Philip Duke of Bur∣gundy, who desiring to put a final end to the mortal quarrel between his Family and that of Orleans, by a principle of goodness, as generous as it was politique, con∣trived the deliverance of this Prince, and helped him to pay his Ransom which was three hundred thousand Crowns.

These two Princes by a sincere and cordial Reconciliation quenched the mortal Enmities their Fathers had begot. Philip received Charles with great honour in his [Year of our Lord 1440] City of Graveline the Twentieth of November, gave him his Order of the Fleece, and accepted the Order of the Porcupine from him. Moreover Charles Married his Niece, Daughter of his Sister and of Adolph first Duke of Cleves; In fine, each strove to shew the other all the marks and tokens of the most sincere and perfect amity.

Amongst the Mareschals of France, there was one Giles Lord de Raiz of an il∣lustrious House and very valiant, but a great squanderer of Wealth, whose mind was so depraved that he addicted himself to all sorts of Vice and Sins both against God and Nature, entertaining Sorcerers and Enchanters to find out Treasures, and corrupting young Boys and Girls whom he afterwards Murther'd that he might have their Blood to compound his Charm and Spells. This being a publick Scandal he was put into the hands of Justice, the Bishop of Nantes made his Process, the Seneschal of Renes Judge-General of that Country assistant, the Cause being of a mixt nature. He was condemned to be burnt alive in the Field of Nantes. The Duke was present at his Execution, but mitigating the Sentence, he permitted them first to strangle him, and then to bury his Body, not much consumed by the Flames. I think I do remember in his Process that there was some Crime of State against the Duke, who was glad he had this occasion to revenge that offence, in punishing those hainous offences against Almighty God.

[Year of our Lord 1441] The King had laid Siege before Pontoise, which charge the Parisians were to defray. The City having been re-victualled three or four times by Talbot, the honour of the English Commanders, his heart seemed to fail and he withdrew to Poissy: but obser∣ving this retreat despicable, he courageously returns, commanded a general assault, and by his presence so animated his People that he carried it by main strength.

That done he went to clear all the Country of Poitou and Angoulmois of those Robbers that infested them, and to effect this he turned all the pilfering Captains out of their places and put honest Men in their steads.

Returning thence he came to keep his Court at Limoges during the Feast of Pente∣cost, where he received the Duke of Orleans and his Wife, and gave him 160000 Franc's towards the payment of his Ransom, and six thousand Livers Pension.

From thence he went to Gascongne, saved Tartas which had Capitulated to surrender to the English, if they were not relieved by a prefix'd day. He presented himself [Year of our Lord 1442] before the place on the Eve of St. John's day with so considerable an Army that the Enemy durst not appear. St. Sever was forced, Dacqs compounded, so did Mar∣mande and la Reole. But so soon as the King had but turned his back, the English by correspondence regained Dacqs and St. Sever. The King spent the Winter at Mon∣tauban, [Year of our Lord 1442] which was so sharp that all the Rivers in that Country were frozen up, and kept the Soldiers in their quarters not able to stir abroad.

[Year of our Lord 1442] Whilst he was there, he secured himself of the succession to the Earldom of Co∣minges. Matthew de Foix had for his fourth Wife Married Jean who was the Countess

of it. As she was very aged and had no Children by him, he kept her Prisoner in a Castle, to compel her to make a donation of all she had to him. The King having received the good old Womans complaint, fails not to take this advantage for him∣self, and at the same price delivers her and brings her into his Court.

[Year of our Lord 1443] Dying shortly after in Poitiers; the Earl of Armagnac who had at his second Mar∣riage wedded a Daughter of hers by another Husband, seized upon her Lands. He did not hold them long; the Dauphin Lewis going into that Country, ensnared him with fair words, and clapt him in Prison, as also his Wife, and his Children. The Earl of Foix by his intercession got him out again, but not without much trouble and a surrender of all the Lands, he had usurped.

[Year of our Lord 1443] The Eight and twentieth of the Month of August, John V. Duke of Bretagne, ended his days at the Castle de la Tousche near Nantes. He left his Dutchy very much enriched and improved by a long Peace, and mightily Peopled by that War which [Year of our Lord 1443] made its Neighbouring Countries desolate, particularly Normandy. From that single Province there went above thirty thousand Families to inhabite in Bretagne, and a great part of them at Rennes, which mightily enlarged it, and gave occasion to inclose with Walls that quarter of the Town which is named the Basse-ville. He had three Sons, Francis, Peter, and Giles, whereof the two eldest▪ were Dukes of that Country successively.

The foregoing year the English laid Siege to Diepe. The Dauphin being returned out of Guyenne, went thither in quality of Lieutenant-General for the King, and chaced them shamefully thence. But the Earl of Sommerset landing at Cherbourgh with six thousand fighting Men, pierced as far as Anjou and Bretagne, defeated the Mareschal de Loheac and the Lord de Rueil, then returned loaden with spoil back to Rouen. [Year of our Lord 1443]

[Year of our Lord 1440, or 42.] In the year 1440, or 1442. is placed the Invention, or at least the first use of Printing, which would be as excellent as it is wonderful, were it not that, like Fame whose clearest Trumpet it is, it vends as many ill things, as it does good ones. The City of Leyden in Holland attributes the honour to it self in behalf of Laurent Johnson one of her Burghers; Mentz for a Gentleman named Gutemberg; Some allow it to one John Mentel of the same City. Those deceive themselves that say it came from China, for although it be true that they printed there a long time be∣fore, yet was it not with Letters separate and movable as are ours, theirs were graved on plates.

[Year of our Lord 1444] The two Kings loved their pleasures enough to make them have but little love for War. The King of England was the first that made mention of an accommodation, the Deputies met at Tours, where not being able to agree a final Peace, they made a Truce of eighteen Months, the Twentieth day of May, and the Marriage of Mar∣guerit Daughter of Rene of Anjou with the King of England, to whom she was con∣ducted by the Duke of Suffolk.

By consent of both Kings, it was thought good to throw the French and English Forces, upon the Countries of the Empire, which were fat and but poorly defended. The apparent pretences were to assist the House of Austria against the Swisse, to re∣venge some incursions the Count de Montbelliard had made upon the Territories of France, to affright the Council of Basil, that they might put an end to the Schism, and to take part with Rene of Anjou Duke of Lorrdin in his contest with the City of Metz, for their having assisted Anthony Earl of Vaudemont his Enemy: but the real design or cause, was to discharge the Kingdom of those troublesom Sons of Mars the Soldiers.

[Year of our Lord 1444] The Dauphin leading these Men there were near 20000 Horse parted from Troyes in the Month of July, took Montbelliard, and from thence went into Alsatia between Basil and Strasbourg, Basil fortifi'd it self and called the Swisse in to their aid. He sought four thousand near that place, who rather tired then overcome, died all upon the place, but sold their lives at double the number. There were but sixteen escaped, others say but only one single man, who being returned home to his Canton lost his Head as a deserter. The Dauphin judging by this that he should gain nought from them but by losing too much himself, and withall being gorged with spoil, and observing the heavy German Body began to move, he retired for fear of being over-matched, and went to joyn with his Fathers Army that lay before Mets.

He besieged that Town in favour of Rene Duke of Lorrain. The Citizens seeing the Country wasted and ruined for seven or eight Months together, bought their re∣demption at the rate of three hundred thousand Florins, of which the King had two hundred thousand, and the other hundred thousand they give Rene acquittance for, who owed it to them.

The Army paid with this Money, were all disbanded, excepting fifteen hundred Men at Arms, as many Coustilliers (these were Foot that accompanied the Horse) and three thousand Archers. This was the establishment of what they called Companies d'Ordnnonance.

[Year of our Lord 1444, and 45.] He caused them to be quarter'd and cloathed and fed in the Towns: but the Vulgar who look no further then the present, and will never consider what may happen here∣after, minded nothing but how to ease themselves of this burthen, and granted a Tax in Money for the subsistence of these Gents-darmes, not considering that when once this Tax was setled, it would not be in their power to say either how long it should last, or how much or little it should be increased or diminished.

[Year of our Lord 1444]

The Tenth of November was fought the bloody Battle of Varnes between the Turks, and young Ladislaus King of Hungary. He had solemnly sworn a Peace with them: having unhappily broken it, by the Popes instigation, who dispenced him of his Oath, he most unfortunately lost his Life and all his Army; a wound that bleeds yet to this very day.

The Counties of Valentinois and Diois were united this year to Dauphine. Lewis de Poitiers who possessed them, had in Anno 1419. given them by his Will to Charles V. who was then Dauphin, upon a condition to furnish fifty thousand Crowns to pay off his Debts and Legacies; and in case he failed so to do, he then gave the succession to Ame Duke of Savoy. The Dauphin not having done it, Ame was got into possession and had setled a Governor there. But this year upon a Treaty at Bayonne agreed the third of April, Lewis the Son of Ame gave up all the right he had in favour of the Dauphin Lewis, who in retaliation quitted to him the absolute Siegneury and Ho∣mage of Foucigny.

[Year of our Lord 1445, and the following.] During the quiet and soft minutes of the Truce, the King enjoy'd the sweet plea∣sures of his Gardens, and languished amidst his Amours and Mistresses. Ease and prosperity had plunged him into daliance and effeminate softness. His greatest in∣clination was Agnes Soreau* 1.106 a Gentlewoman of Touraine, a very agreeable and gene∣rous Lady, but who setting her self up as equal with the greatest Princesses, became the envy of the Court, and a scandal to all France.

[Year of our Lord 1445]

The King of England lived much more reserved: He was a devout Prince, fearing God, and of a gentle disposition: but having no great Spirit or parts, and loving nothing but his Wife, he suffer'd her to possess him wholly. This Prin∣cess bold and undertaking beyond the nature of her Sex, would needs take the Helm and make her self absolute. To this end she gives some sinister impressions to her Husband concerning his Uncle Humphry Earl of Gloucester who then had the Government, and prevailed with him at last to put him to death without any form of Process. Which excited the hatred of all the great ones against her, and made them think of ruining her,

that they might preserve themselves.

[Year of our Lord 1444, or 45.] King Charles was then not much above the age of forty three, and the Dauphin who was already two and twenty trod upon his Heels, and would have plaid the Master, in so much as one day at Chinon he gave a box on the Ear to the fair Agnes.

There hapned another incident worse yet then this. He had bargained with An∣thony de Chabanes Earl of Dammartin, to assassinate some body that had displeased him, James Brother of that Earl, who was Grand Maistre of the Kings Houshold, dissuaded him from it. The King coming to the knowledge of this, gave the Dau∣phin a sharp reprimand; The young Prince to excuse himself charged the Earl as having suggested this base design first to him; the Earl boldly denied it in the Kings presence, and offer'd to justifie himself by Combat against any of the Dauphins Gentlemen that would undertake it. The King then found the malignity of his Son, abhorred it, and commanded him not to see him in four Months time, but to go into Dauphine. He retir'd with menaces; and being once gone thought no more of re∣turning: but to Cantonise and Reign alone, without any dependance but on his ma∣licious fancies.

* 1.107

The City of Genoa, in a few years had changed their Lords and Governors four or five times. The Fregoses and the Adornes who were of their principal Citizens, disputed for the Siegnory amongst themselves. Barnaby Adorne had usurped it [Year of our Lord 1445] with the Title of Doge: Janus Fregose pretending he would put it into the Kings

hands, having treated with him for that purpose, made use of the Forces and Money of France to make himself Master, then kept it in his own hands, and [Year of our Lord 1446] scoffed at the French.

[Year of our Lord 1446] The King had for a while adhered to Pope Felix, or at least stood Neuter: but when informed that Nicholas was elected in the room of Eugenius, he would let all Christendom understand he approved his Election. He sent a famous Embassy to tender his obedience, which perhaps brought in the custom of those stately and ex∣pensive Embassies of Obedience which Kings now send to every new Pope.

[Year of our Lord 1447]

The Government of the Viscounts at Milan, after its having lasted One hundred and seventy years, ended this year by the death of Duke Philip; And that Estate was claimed by divers Pretenders, as either having a right, or thinking it would be of great convenience and necessary for them; The Emperor Frederic, the Duke of Savoy, the Venetians, Alphonso King of Naples, and Charles Duke of Orleans. Now as it truly appertained to this last, according to the Conditions of the Con∣tract of Valentine his Mother, he went thither with some Forces: but the Milanese intending their own liberty, he could get no more then only his Earldom of Ast. Afterwards those People having for many years undergone much trouble and affli∣ction by the contending Parties that strugled for the Mastery, fell, as we use to say, out of the Frying-pan into the Fire, by accepting for their Duke, Francis Sforza, who had Married a Bastard of Duke Philips.

[Year of our Lord 1448] There were but little Infantry in France; The King that he might have some that were good and well maintain'd, ordained that every Village throughout the Kingdom should furnish him with, and pay one Foot-Archer who should be exempt from all Taxes and Subsidies. For which they called them the Franc-Archers. These made a Body of two or three and twenty thousand Men.

[Year of our Lord 1448] The Truce prolonged three or four several times, was not to end till about a Twelvemonth after this time: a Captain of the English Party, this was Francis de Surienne, extreamly greedy after Prey, surprized the City of Fougers belonging to the Duke of Bretagne, where he met with a Booty of above Sixteen hundred thou∣sand Crowns; and at the same time the English made irruption in Scotland, which was also comprehended in the Truce as well as Bretagne, but they were soundly beaten there. England began likewise to be imbroil'd within its self by reason of some new Tax which King Henry would raise in London; which hath most commonly been the occasion, or at least the pretence for a Civil War.

[Year of our Lord 1448] The Duke of Bretagne and the Scots likewise, make their complaints to King Charles for this breach of the Truce. The English are summon'd to repair the da∣mage, they disown'd Surienne indeed, but for the rest gave no satisfaction but put off's and delays. All this was suffer'd six Months; they imagine the French are afraid. At length the Duke of Bretagne flies out, and with the Kings consent sur∣prizes at the same time the Pont de Larche above Rouen, Conches near Evreux, Ger∣broy not far from Beauvais, and Cognac upon the River Charente.

[Year of our Lord 1449]

By force of many Intreaties, Negotiations and Menaces, the King overper∣suaded Felix to set his hand to the re-union of the Church; He renounced the Papacy more gloriously then he had accepted of it. His Conventions with Ni∣cholas V. were such that he seemed to quit it as a thing belonging to him, which he conferr'd as a favour upon his Rival. For he made his demission in the Council which he had purposely transferr'd from Basil to Lausanna, and after he had de∣posited his Pontifical Ornaments, the Fathers elected Nicholas, who left him per∣petual Legat in all the Countries of Savoy, Montferrat, Lyonnois, Swisserland and Alsatia, and received all those Cardinals he had created, into the Sacred Colledge.

[Year of our Lord 1449] The disturbances of England continuing, King Charles found the opportunity so favourable, that he resolved to chace the English out of his Kingdom. He had made the Earl de Foix Lieutenant of his Armies from the Garonne to the Pyrenees, and the Earl de Dunois in all the Kingdom, in such sort nevertheless as he rendred respect and honour to the Constable, when they both met in the same place.

The first had Order to take all places the English held at the foot of the Pereneans, thereby to block up the passage against John of Arragon King of Navarre, who had made a League with them, and obliged himself for a certain Sum of Money,

to keep and guard Mauleon de Soule for them, a place very strong in those times, and situate upon a high Rock. For this purpose he had taken it into his protection, and had placed his Constable in it. The Count de Foix was Son in Law to that Prince, however he had more regard to the Kings Orders, then his Father in Law, and scruples not to besiege it. The Navarrois knowing it wanted Provisions, Arm'd himself to relieve it, and came within two Leagues, but finding he was too weak, and that his prayers availed not with his Son in Law, he retreated, and his Con∣stable was forced to capitulate.

The Castle of* 1.108 Guissant, which is within four Leagues of Bayonne, surrendred likewise, after three thousand English whom the Constable of Navarre and the [Year of our Lord 1449] Mayor of Bayonne sent by Water to their relief had been beaten by the Besiegers.

At the same time Veneuil in Perche was taken by the contrivance of a Miller, in revenge for that the English had beaten him: the great Tower held it out yet a while. In the interim the Count de Dunois by the small resistance he met with from Pont-Audemer, Lisieux, Mantes, and the Forts that were round those Cities, perceiving the English were at a low ebb, sent the King word that Normandy was sorely shaken.

He was besides informed that the Duke of Bretagne with the Constable, had taken Coutances, and that the Inhabitants of Alenson had restored their Duke to his City, and besieged the Castle which immediately capitulated. Upon this good news he departs from Vendosme where he got his Forces together, came to Verneuil, thence to Louviers and Pont de Larche, to summon the City of Rouen, whose Inhabitants were disposed to shake off their yoak.

[Year of our Lord 1449] The Earl of Sommerset who was in it with three thousand English, did not per∣mit his Heraulds to come near. Which could not prevent a party of the Inhabi∣tants from placing many Frenchmen upon their Walls; but the rest not joyning with them that design miscarried. These would first make their Conditions with the King, as they did the next day. Their Archbishop Rodolph Roussel who was chief of the Deputation, obtained security and liberty for the Persons, and for the Goods of all those that were within the City, as well English as French, whether choosing to remain there still, or to remove elsewhere if they desired it.

When he had given an account of the Treaty in the Town-Hall, the English en∣deavoured to frustrate the execution by seizing on the Gates and Walls: but the In∣habitants soon dispossess'd them, and forced them to retire to the Bridge, the Castle, and the Palace.

The Fort St. Catharine held but little. Sommerset having few Provisions in the old Palace, capitulated within fifteen days, That himself and all his should go out with their Lives and Goods, and all their furniture for War, excepting their great Guns, That they should pay fifty thousand Gold Crowns, and all such Debts as they owed to the Bourgois and the Merchants belonging to that Country, That they should be obliged to procure the surrender of Caudebec, Moustiervilliers, Lislebonne, Tancarville and Honnefleur, and for Hostages should leave the Sire Talbot, and five or six more of their principal Commanders. The Tenth day of November the King entred the City in Pomp, and celebrated the Feast of St Martin the ancient Patron of Gall.

[Year of our Lord 1449, and 50.] Notwithstanding the inconveniences of the Winter Season, he laid Siege to Har∣fleur, which was the first place that was conquered by the late Henry King of Eng∣land. It surrendred upon the Twelfth day of January. As did Honnefleur afterwards▪ which held out but a few days.

[Year of our Lord 1449] At the same time the Duke of Bretagne and the Constable reduced Valongne with six or seven other little places, and after a long Siege regained likewise his City of Foulgeres.

[Year of our Lord 1449] These prosperities were not without some mixture or allay of sorrow to the King. In the year 1449. while he was at Jumieges, they poysoned his dear Agnes de Sorean, without whom he could not live one moment. To comfort him, Antoinetta dt Maig∣nelais Dame de Villequier, Cousin to the deceased, took her place: but she was not sole Mistress, the impotence of age, stirring up this Kings desires, he entertained a great number of beautiful Damsels, at least to satisfie the pleasure of his Eye.

Some would needs have it, that some of the Dauphins friends made away Agnes, and that he who did most contribute to it, was the famous James Coeur, Keeper of the Kings Plate, Master of the Moneys, or Mint-Master of Bourges his Native City, a Merchants Son, and one that managed all the Treasury. There are such wonders

related of his Riches, his Credit, and his Buildings, that Chymists would fain per∣suade us, he had the Philosophers Stone.

In Anno 1452. an Accusation was framed against him in the Kings Council, and all his Goods were seized, as well for the Crime above mentioned, as for those of Con∣cussion, Exaction, Transportation of Money out of the Kingdom, falsifying of Coyn, counterfeiting Seals, selling Arms and Powder to the Sarrasins, &c. He ap∣peared voluntarily to justifie himself, he was Arrested and removed to several Pri∣sons; Finally the King being satisfied that he was guilty, (says the Decree of the Nineteenth of May 1453.) of all these Crimes, and yet remitting the pains of death, for the services he had rendred him, and upon the intercession of the Holy Father, condemned him to make Amende Honorable* 1.109 to pay a hundred thousand Crowns, and confiscated all his Goods. Some time after, the Parliament restored him in his Reputation and Estate, after he had paid his Fine.

Towards the beginning of this year 1450. there landed three thousand English at Cherbourgh, commanded by Thomas Kyrle, who drawing a Party out of the Garri∣sons, made up a gross of six thousand Men, with which he adventur'd to take the Field. The Constable having heard of their march goes forth to seek them, al∣though he had not half their number of Men. He met and fought them nigh the Village of Fourmigny between Carentan and Bayeux, along a small River which ran behind them. These new Levies joyned with such as had never hunted together, could not stand before the old experienced Soldiers, who had so many brave Leaders and Warlike Nobility to encourage them; few of them escaped, since they counted three thousand seven hundred seventy four that were slain, and fourteen hundred Prisoners.

[Year of our Lord 1450] This blow brought them to their last gasp, they appeared now no more but upon the Walls of some places yet remaining in their hands. The King being gone into the Lower Normandy, found no great difficulty in besieging them, nor much more in taking them. Vire, Bayeux, St. Sauveur le Vicomte, Falaize, Caen, defended themselves but weakly: Caen made its composition upon St. John's Eve. They pro∣vided the Earl of Sommerset and four thousand English he had about him, with Ves∣sels to transport them into England, but not to any other place. The City was given up to the King the Second day of July, Falaise the Twentieth of the same Month. The King made his entrance into Caen the Sixth. Nothing remained but Cherbourgh, the Constable had besieged it after the surrender of Caen; Thomas Govel who was Governor, with a thousand Natural English, gave it up the Eleventh day of August.

Thus was all Normandy regained by the French, or to speak more properly, helped to recover it self in one year and six days. The King desiring the remembrance should be preserved, and that eternal thanks should be rendred to God, ordained general Processions should be made in the Month of September of the same year, and annually hereafter upon same day that Cherbourgh surrendred.

[Year of our Lord 1450] After the King had given Order for all the Affairs of this great Province, leaving only six hundred Lances and their Archers, he turned towards Guyenne; and this same year open'd the passage over the Dordogne by the taking of Bergerac, which was be∣sieged and mastered by John Earl of Pontieure and Vicount of Limoges. He was one of the four Sons of Marguerite de Clisson, who was restored to the Estate belonging to his Family by Duke Francis, pursuant to the Treaty made at Nantes in Anno 1448.

As the loss of the Battle at Fourmigny made the English lose all Normandy, the de∣feat of the Bourdelois made them lose all the rest of Guyenne. Amanjeu d'Albret Lord d'Orval, going to scowre about the Neighbourhood of Bourdeaux with seven hundred Horse only, there came forth ten or twelve thousand Horse and Foot, English and Bourdelois, who ran confusedly upon him as to a certain Victory. D'Orval knowing whom he had to deal with, charges them briskly, puts them to the rout, strewed the ways and Fields with a thousand of those giddy-brain'd Fellows, and car∣ried away a great many more to Basas.

[Year of our Lord 1452] The following Summer, the King who was still at Tours, having drawn together a great many Men, resolved to compleat the Conquest of Guyenne, much crest-faln at that shock. The Count de Dunois is Lieutenant General, the Count de Pontieure, Foix and Armagnac attaqu'd it at the four corners; the English were beaten and gave ground every where, so that having no more then Fronsac, Bourdeaux and Bayonne, the Count de Dunois having besieged Fronsac, they capitulated to surrender those three places, if upon St. John Baptists-day, there appeared not in the Field and near Fronsac, an Army able to give them Battle. Which not having been able to do, they executed the Agreement, excepting only as to Bayonne, whom they abused with the

flattering hopes, that the King of England was preparing to come and relieve it Personally. The French Generals made their triumphant entry into Bourdeanx the Nineteenth day of June.

[Year of our Lord 1451] In vain did the English struggle obstinately to keep Bayonne; after some assaults, the apprehension of being taken by Storm, obliged them also to capitulate on Friday the Twentieth of August. The Governor John de Beaumont with all the Garrison were made Prisoners of War; and it cost the Inhabitants forty thousand Crowns of Gold to be spared.

The favour of Heaven was so benign towards the French, or the Peoples fancies so strong, that upon that same Friday, they beheld a white Cross in the Air over Bayonne, which seemed to instruct them that God would have them to forsake the red Cross of England, and take up that of France. This place being reduced, the English had nothing left them in all France but only Calais, and the County of Guisnes.

If we search into the causes of this so suddain and wonderful a revolution, we shall find it was the neglect of the English in not well providing and strengthning their places, their wont of good Commanders, the hatred the People had for their scornful and imperious way of Government. On the other hand the union and hearty zeal of the Nobles and all the French Militia, the good order and discipline in their Armies, the huge stores and provision of Canons and all sorts of Warlike Engines, Pioneers and Ammunitions, and the new method of approaching and at∣taquing of Towns by Works and Trenches: but above all, the Civil War that Richard Duke of York had kindled amongst the English.

[Year of our Lord 1451, and 52.]

That Duke knew how to make such use of the disgust that Nation had taken against the Government of Queen Marguerite who was a French-woman, as to raise himself amidst their discontents up to the Throne, which he pretended was due to him, rather then to Henry; For he descended (but only by the Female side) from Lionel of Clarence who was second Son of King Edward III. and Henry came but from the third Son, who was John Duke of Lancaster his Paternal Great Grandfather.

[Year of our Lord 1452] These Divisions were calmed for a while, upon the intreaties of the Lord de L'Es∣parre, deputed from the City of Bourdeaux and the Lords of the Country of Bour∣delois, who taking distaste at some new Impost that was laid upon them, offer'd to restore that Country to the English. Talbot the bravest of that Nation and the most zealous for its honour, being therefore landed in Medoc with four thousand Men, was brought into Bourdeaux by the Citizens the Twenty fourth day of October; and about the latter end of the year having received a like reinforcement from England, he made himself Master of Castillon, Cadillac, Libourne, Fronsac, and some other small places besides.

The Bourdelois had taken their opportunity when the King was just going to en∣gage in a great War against the Duke of Savoy, who apparently must have been up∣held by the Dauphin, and by conseqence had correspondence in the very heart of the Kingdom.

[Year of our Lord 1452] The Kings quarrel to that Duke was because he had agreed the Marriage of his Daughter Charlotte and the Dauphin without his consent: This was the true motive of the War: but that he might have some apparent cause, he had taken into his protection certain Lords belonging to the Estates of Savoy, who having joyned in a League against their Princes chief Minister, named John de Compeis, were for ever banished, by a Sentence given at Pont de Beauvoisis. The King advanced even to Fores to restore them: but being informed the English were landed at Bourdeaux, the Duke being come to wait upon him at Feurs, he suffer'd himself to be overcome by his most humble submissions, and agreed to a Peace.

[Year of our Lord 1453] The following year he marched to Lusignan in Poitou, thence to St. Jean d'Angely, for the recovery of Bourdelois. His Army besieged Castillon: Talbot coming to its relief with six thousand Men, was beaten and slain together with his Son. His defeat caused the surrender of the City, the utter ruine of the English Party, and after that the regaining of Bourdeaux; For they perceiving Fronsac, Libourne, Langon, Cadillac, and all the other Towns about them were reduced, the King quartered at Lermont, all Relief and even all Provisions failing them, surrendred upon composition, which the King would never have granted them, if a great mortality had not swept away his Men.

However the better to curb and keep this City which the interest of Traffick and reciprocal Marriages inclined to be for the English, he banished forty Lords and Citizens who were most to be suspected, and bridled them with two strong Castles which he order'd to be built there.

[Year of our Lord 1452]

The University being one of the greatest Bodies and one of the most necessary to all Christendom, the Cardinal d'Estouteville the Popes Legat, making use of his faculty, but by the Kings express Order, employ'd himself in purging it of some abuses that had much disfigur'd them, and made many good Reglements, which are yet kept in their Archives.

[Year of our Lord 1452, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57.] Never since the Slege of Calais had the Duke of Burgundy much concern'd him∣self in the War against the English: but yet he was not free from crosses in his own Countries. Those of Bruges being up in Arms Anno 1437. let him into their City as if they had intended to give him satisfaction, then fell upon his Men, killing above an hundred of them, amongst the rest the Lord de L'Isle-Adam. Himself ran a great hazard, and escaped with much difficulty by breaking open one of the City Gates with Hammers. After this fury they betook themselves to rove all about the Country. Their rage began to cool when they found the rest of the Towns did not approve of their rash actions, and that the Duke was coming to besiege them with a vast Army. They craved his pardon, which they obtained not but upon rude Condi∣tions. It cost them two hundred thousand Gold Crowns, the loss of many of their Priviledges, and the Lives of a dozen or fifteen of the most Factions.

The Ghentois gave him much more trouble, by their frequent disturbances. The most dangerous was that in Anno 1452. a Gabel, or Impost was the cause of it. He would needs settle it in Flanders and make it certain and fixt, imposing 24 Gross, Money of that Country, upon every Sack of Salt. They resolved to run all the ha∣zards and extremities imaginable, rather then suffer an Impost upon Water and the Sun, which are free and universal Gifts bestow'd by Nature. They relied upon the protection of the King; and indeed he wrote earnestly and in high terms in their behalf to the Duke of Burgundy; but having received an answer in terms that were yet higher, he thought it not prudence to embarque himself in a Civil War, being as yet not come to an end of the War against the English his Foreign Enemy.

The losses which the Ghentois met with in five or six great Fights, did but heat their savage hearts the more: but the Battle of Ripelmond; and afterwards that of Gavre, where they lost twenty thousand Men, brought them so low, they were forced to come to composition. Two thousand Men bare Head and bare Foot, with all their Counsellors, Sheriffs and Officers only, in their Shirts, went out a League to meet the Duke and his Son, to implore their Mercy. The Gate through which they marched out to fight him at Riplemond, was stopt up for ever. They were condemned to pay four hundred thousand Ridders of Gold, to bring their Banners that he might dispose of them as he pleased, and to suffer a change of their Usages and Privi∣ledges.

[Year of our Lord 1453]

Upon a Tuesday the Nine and twentieth of May, Constantinople the Trunk of the Grecian Empire, from which the Turks had lopp'd off all the Branches, was* 1.110 taken perforce by Mahomet II. not more then three and twenty years of age. Con∣stantine her last Emperor perished there, crowded to death by the multitude at one of the Gates of the City. Such was The End of the Eastern Empire, the which to reckon from the dedication of Constantinople upon the Nineteenth of May in the year Three hundred and thirty, had lasted Eleven hundred twenty three years. We shall henceforwards place the Turkish Sultans in the room of those Emperors.

[Year of our Lord 1454, and 55.] The Count d'Armagnac was not grown the wiser by his first chastisement, he would play Rex, hindring him that had provisionally the Archbishoprick of Ausch from taking possession: and obstinately persever'd to keep his own Sister for his Wife, maugre the Censures of the Church. The King being therefore moved at the impor∣tunity of the Pope to wipe off this scandal from the Kingdom, sent some Forces thi∣ther with five or six of his chief Commanders, some whereof seized on the Country of Rovergne, others on the Valley d'Aure; and another Party on the County of Armagnac. The City of Leytoure environed with a triple Wall, and its Castle situate upon a steep Rock, did not hold out long: so that the Count sled out of the Country, and retired safely to some Lands he had upon the Frontiers of Arragon:

[Year of our Lord 1455] It concerned the honour both of the Kingdom and the King of France, to justifie the memory of the Pucelle. The King therefore ordered her Parents to Petition, the Holy See to appoint some Judges that might review the Process. Upon their request Calistus III. ordered Commissioners, who were the Archbishop of Reims, and the Bishops of Paris and Coutances, who being met at Rouen, looked into and exa∣mined the Proceedings, heard divers Witnesses; and thereupon fully justified that Heroick Virgin, caused the former Process to be torn and burnt, by which they had condemned her. Their Sentence was proclaimed in Rouen, at St. Ouins Churchyard, and the old Market, and likewise in many other Cities of the Kingdom. There was no need of taking any course against her false Judges, the greater part of them being perish'd either by suddain or such a shameful death, as seemed to shew the hand of God upon them.

[Year of our Lord 1455]

During these years began those divisions which did not a little contribut to the losing of Navarre. Blanch the Heiress of that Kingdom had a Son named Charles, by John King of Arragon her Husband. This Princess dying in Anno 1441. John took in second Wedlock Isabella of Portugal, and retained the enjoyment of Na∣varre, which in effect belonged to Charles, as then about One and thirty years of age. This dispute Armed the Son against the Father, the Kingdom was divided. The House of Gramont which was considerable, took part with the Father, that of Beaumont which was not inferior, joyned with the Son. The Mother in Law, who could have wished the Son out of the World, blew the coals, and exasperated the Fathers anger; From thence grew irreconcilable Enmity, and cruel Wars. Prince Charles having given Battle to his Father lost it, and was taken Prisoner. A while after he was set at liberty upon an Accomodation.

[Year of our Lord 1456] The Dauphins ill Conduct, and those insupportable Exactions he laid upon Dau∣phine, particularly the Clergy, did so irritate the King his Father, that he command∣ed Anthony de Chabanes Earl of Dammartin to go and Arrest him. Dammartin having been cruelly offended, as we have related, would have executed this Order severely, had not the Dauphin been informed, and made his escape in post-haste into the Prin∣cipality of Orange, and from thence into the Franche-Comte, from whence he was conducted into Brabant. The Duke of Burgundy received him as the Son of his So∣veraign, and assigned him twelve thousand Crowns for his use, and the Castle of Gueneppe within four Leagues of Bruxels, for his oridinary Residence.

[Year of our Lord 1457] Whatever noble Reception and Entertainment he met with in that Country, he had not been long there before he sowed division between the Father and the Son, ha∣ving gained the Lords of the House de Crouy who governed the Father, and counte∣nancing and abetting them against the Son who could not endure them. The first year of his sojourning there they brought Charlotte of Savoy to him to Consummate his Marriage, by whom a Son was born about three years afterwards, who died.

[Year of our Lord 1456] The Kings wrath discharged it self upon John Duke of Alenson, the Dauphins God-father. This Prince returning from Dauphine, where he had been to brew some Intrigue with his God-son, and having contrived I know not what League with the English, to make some disturbance in favour of them, was seized and imprisoned in the Castle de Lo••hes.

[Year of our Lord 1457] In the year 1457. as it is usual after a long War, to squeeze the Finances of what they have sucked in during the publick Calamities: the King called those to account who had managed the Treasury. One John Xancoins* 1.111 Receiver General, convicted of misdemeanour, and of having detained sixty thousand Crowns, was banish'd for ever, his Goods consiscate, and the fair Houses he had built, bestowed upon the Count de Dunois.

[Year of our Lord 1458] Two years after the imprisonment of the Duke of Alenson, for it required all that time to find out proofs, the King convened his parliament and his Pairs at Montargis to make his Process. They laboured three Months in it, he being at Baugency. The business not going on with that expedition as he desired, he removes the Assembly to Vendosme, where he intended to be present. At last by a Sentence of the Tenth of October, they condemned the Duke to lose his Head, and confiscated all his Estate. The King gave him a pardon for his life: but took the best of his Lands, and sent him back Prisoner to Loches.

[Year of our Lord 1458] The Twenty sixth of December of the same year was the last of brave Arthur's days, Earl of Richmond Constable of France, who had likewise been Duke of Bre∣tagne a year and an half by the death of Peter the Simple, second Son of his eldest

Brother. He had no child, and so the Duthy went to Francis his Nephew, Son of Richard Earl of Estampes his younger Brother. Charles of Anjou Earl of Mayne had the Office of Constable.

The same year the Twenty seventh of June, Alphonso King of Arragon and Sicilia, pass'd into the other World. At his death he left the Kingdom of Naples (then called Sicilia on this side the Fare) to Ferdinand his Natural Son. Rene of Anjou finding this a fair opportunity to pursue his right against him, before he could be well setled, sent John Duke of Calabria his Son into those Countries. This Prince guided by the destiny of his Predecessors, had very prosperous beginnings, and an unfortunate end.

[Year of our Lord 1459] Since the taking of Constantinople, the Duke of Burgundy had for two or three times made shew as if he would employ his Forces and Person against the Insidels. We may fee in Oliver de la Marche the Vows which he and the Lords in the Assembly of Bruges, made on the Peacock at a stately Banquet; all this vanish'd into Air together with the Wine and Mirth of the Feast.

[Year of our Lord 1459] As little did Pope Pius II. (this was Aeneas Sylvius) succeed in his Project, which was to unite and engage all Christendom against the Turks. In order to which he had convened a General Assembly at Mantoua, where appeared Ambassadors from all Soveraign Princes, and the War was resolved upon with great designs, but without any effect. The French Ambassadors returned but ill satisfied, the Pope not condescending to favour Rene in his pretence to the Kingdom of Naples, but threatning to Excommunicate the King upon the score of the Pragmatick, whereupon John Dauvet Attorney General of the Parliament, made Protestations, and appealed to the future Council.

[Year of our Lord 1458, and 59.]

The Duke of Tork had for the second time vanquish'd and taken King Henry Prisoner; afterwards, Queen Margaret with the aid of the Scots, slew that Duke in Battle and deliver'd her Husband, but Edward Son of that Duke having brought other Forces, tried fortune once more, and defeated the Queens Army under the Walls of York. Then Henry being fled into Scotland, and Queen Margaret into France, he was Crowned King in the year 1461. This was the first Act of the Tragedy between the Houses of York and Lancaster, that of York wore the White Rose, and Lancaster the Red.

[Year of our Lord 1460, and 61,] It was now thirteen years that the Dauphin had been absent from the Court, his Father sent often for him which he cared not to obey, he often called upon the Duke of Burgundy to send him back, telling him he nursed and hugged a Serpent, which when well warmed in his Bosom, would one day make him feel his mortal Sting. He sometimes proceeded even to threaten the Duke, and stirred up divers of his own People against him; who finding himself so harrass'd, sent at last a smart Message desiring him to consider whether he would maintain the Peace of Arras or not.

For this time therefore, the King left him quiet: but two years after his Counsel or his own Resentment pressing him, he was about to go and fetch him with an Army; However he changed his mind again, and thought it were better punish him by ad∣vancing Charles his second Son to the birth-rights of eldership, according to the power the Kings of the first and second Race had had. Which no doubt he would have put in execution, had not the Pope strongly dissuaded him, or perhaps if he could have had time enough to dispose the minds of the French Nation to admit of such a change.

[Year of our Lord 1461] While he was at Meun on the Yeurre* 1.112 in Berry, he had notice that his Domesticks had plotted to take away his life. The poor Prince after that thought he saw nothing but poyniards and poyson. His apprehensions were so great, that not knowing from what hands he might take his food without danger, he refrained from eating some days, after which it was not in his power, when he would have done it, to swallow any thing. So that he died of hunger the Two and twentieth of July about the midst of his Sixtieth year, and near the end of the Nine and thirtieth of his Reign.

Never Prince had greater Traverses or more potent Enemies, nor overcame them more gloriously. After he had driven those out of France that attempted at his Crown, he sound a more dangerous Enemy in his House, that attempted on his Life, He might have been called Happy, had he had another Father and another Son. He was affable, debonnaire, liberal, just; He tenderly loved his People, and spared them as much as it was possible, rewarded those that served him very largely, took

particular care of the Justice and Policy of his Kingdom, laboured greatly for the reformation of the Church, and was so religious he would not charge it with any Tenths. But being of somewhat too soft a temper, he was governed and led away by his Favourites and Mistresses too much; and in his latter days became apprehensive, jealous and suspicious to the extreamest degree.

He had three Bastards by his Mistresses, and eleven Legitimate Children by his Wife Mary Daughter of Lewis II. Duke of Anjou, four Sons, and seven Daughters. Of his Sons two only survived him, which were Lewis and Charles. As for Daugh∣ters, Radegonde died betroathed to Sigismond eldest Son of Frederic V. Arch-Duke of Austria; Yoland was Wife of Ame VIII. Duke of Savoy, Catharine of Charles Duke of Burgundy, Jean, or Joan, of John II. Duke of Bourbon, and Mag∣delain of Gaston Prince of Viana, and Earl of Foix; another Jeane, and Mary Twin-Sisters, did not outlive the age of Infancy.

LEWIS XI.

King LIV.

Aged XXXVIII. Years.

POPES,

• PIUS II. 3 years under this Reign.
• PAUL II. Elected the 29th of August 1464. S. 7. years wanting one Month.
• SIXTUS IV. Elected the 9th of August 1471. S. 13 years, where∣of 12 under this Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1461] THe conduct which the Prince had made appear in all his actions, parti∣cularly towards his Father, and towards his People of Daulphine, made it plainly enough known what his Friends and Subjects were to expect from him. He ever Governed without Counsel, most commonly with∣out Justice, and without Reason. He thought it the finest Policy to go out of the great and beaten Road of his Predecessors, to change every thing, were it from better to worse, that he might be feared. His judgment which was very clear, but too subtil and refined, was the greatest enemy to his own and his Kingdoms quiet, having as it seems, taken pleasure in putting things into disorder, and throwing the most obedient into Rebellion. He rather loved to follow the bent of his own irregular fancies, then the wise Laws of the Land; and made his Grandeur consist in the oppression of his People, in the pulling down of the great ones, and the rais∣ing up of others from the very dust and nothing. This is what another calls put∣ting their Kings, hors de page, i.e. out of their Minority; he should have said putting them out of their Sence, and their Reason.

The Creatures of the late King formed a Party in favour of Charles his second Son (they named him the young Lord) which perhaps tended to exclude the Eldest. He therefore stood in need of diligence and power to prevent it. The informa∣tion given him by the Count du Mayne, not so much out of affection, as of hatred to the Count de Dammartin, who had been his Rival in the fa∣vour of Charles, caused him to mount on Horse-back the soonest he could; And the Duke of Burgundy and his Son accompany'd him with four thousand Horse, chosen out of ten Thousand.

He went directly to Reims where he was Crowned the 15th of August by John Juvenal of the Ʋrsins. Before he received the Sacred Unction, he would be made a Knight by the Duke, then distributed that honour to 117. Lords. At the end of the Feast, the Duke kneeling down beseeched him to forget the inju∣ries which had been done to him, upon occsion of the discontents that had been betwixt his Father and himself. He granted him that request: but he excepted against seven, and under pretence of that number pardoned not any one.

He made his entrance into Paris the last day of August, followed by thirteen or fourteen thousand Horse. The feastings being ended the Duke returned into Flanders, the Count went on Pilgrimage to St. Claude's in the Franche-Comte,

and the King to Amboise to see his Mother. She died in a short time after, to the great regret of the wisest, who could have wished that the respect he had for her, might for a longer time have been as a Bridle to the voilence of her Son.

He was much delighted at Plessis les Tours, the Count found him there at his re∣turn, to whom he gave the Government of Normandy, and 12000 Crowns by Establishment: But it was only a Paper-security, and seeming marks of Friend∣ship, which were accepted for no other then they were given. These two Prin∣ces resembled each other too little, and knew one another too well to love on either side; and indeed from that time the Count treated secretly with Romille Vice-Chancellor of Brittany, and gave him his Commission Sealed.

[Year of our Lord 1461. and 62.] As soon as Lewis was entred into his Kingdom, he Governed himself as in a conquered Country. He destituted all the Officers of the Royal Family, of War, of Judicature, and of the Treasury, treated all the Creatures belonging to the King his Father very ill, took delight in destroying all he had set up, gave nothing but Berry to his Brother for his whole Apenage or Portion, set the Duke of Alenson at liberty, and put the Count de Dammartin into the Bastile, restored the Count of Armagnac to his Lands, loaded the people with Taxes, strip'd the great ones, and offended all the Clergy.

[Year of our Lord 1461] Never had any private person laboured more to reduce the power of the Pope within the terms of the Canons, then Aeneas Sylvins; and never Pope did strug∣gle more to enlarge it bounds of right and reason then the same, when he was Pius II. The Pragmatique was a Curb very troublesome to his underta∣kings; He made so many applications to the King that he allowed of a Declara∣tion in November 1641. to abolish it. The Court of Rome transported with an insolent joy, did immediately cause that Constitution to be dragged along the Streets: But it was not yet time; for the oppositions of the University hindred the effect of the Declaration, and the King never troubled himself to have it put in Execution, because the Pope had failed of his word in many things. John Gefrey Bishop of Arras had the Cardinals Cap as a recompence for having negociated this affair with the King.

[Year of our Lord 1462] In the mean time the Pope maintained the Bastard Ferdinand in the Kingdom of Naples, so that John de Calbria the Son of Rene of Anjou, after various revo∣lutions, was utterly driven thence. The Kings intreaties could obtain nothing from the Holy Father in favour of those Princes of his own Blood: But Pius thinking to slatter him, confirmed the Title of Most Christian to him, which had been already derived to him with more honour from his Ancestors, and exhorted him to a Croysade against the Turks, presenting him with a Sword on the Blade where∣of were some Latin Verses engraved, which invited him to that expedition.

[Year of our Lord 1462] There was a rude War between Henry King of Castille, and John King of Arragon. This last had by a Treaty of accommodation, given Catalogna to Charles Prince of Viana, Son of his first Bed, and therefore his principal Heir: His Mother in Law harrass'd him so much that he once more fell out with his Father and took up Arms. He was again defeated and taken Prisoner. The Catalonians making an insurrection in his favour, forced his Father to set him at Liberty: but the same day of his deliverance he Died of a Morsel which his Mother in Law had caused her own Physician to give him.

After his Death the Catalonians being revolted against John, and having degraded him, as the Murtherer of his Son Charles; The King of Castille assisted them. It was not the zeal of justice that led him to it, but the desire of Siezing those places in Navarre which were for his purpose.

Mean while John that he mught have Men and Money in this pressing necessity, had engaged the Counties of Roussillon and of Cerdagne to the King of France for 300000 Crowns, Gaston de Foix Brother in Law to the Castillian, and Son in Law to the Arragonian brought these two Princes to refer their differences to the judgement of the King, who then was at Bourdeaux to treat of the Marriage of Magdelin his Sister, with Gaston de Foix Count of Viana.

When he had heard the reasons of either party from the mouths of their Am∣bassadors, he pronounced his Sentence of Arbitration: but it satisfied neither the one, nor the other any more, then his enterview with Henry King of Castille, satisfied either the French, or Spaniards. These scoffed at the Niggardlyness, and mean and simple countenance of King Lewis, who was cloathed only in coarse Cloth * 1.113, had a short and straight Garment on, and wore a Madona of Lead in

his Cap; The others had an indignation at the Castillian Arrogance, and the Pride of the Count de Lodesme Favourite of Henry. But it is true that their King conde∣scending, as he ought, to the Majesty of France, passed over, not only the River Bidasso, which seperates the two Kingdoms, to come to the King, but likewise advanced two Leagues within his Dominions, and came even to the Castle of Ʋterbia, where they conferred together.

At his return from this Voyage, Lewis found that the Lords de Crouy Father and Son, had so well managed the mind of Philip Duke of Burgundy, with whom they could do any thing, that he consented to render up to him the Cities of the Somme for the 400000 Crowns. The business was of importance, and indeed for fear the Duke should find out some excuses to retract his word, he caused the money to be immediately sent to Hesdin, and went thither himself.

The surrender being executed, he would shew himself in the Low-Countries, where his Soveraignty was but little acknowledged. He visited Arras, was re∣ceived at Tournay, and went as far as l'Isle, where the Duke came and saluted him. The City of Tournay, which had never owned any other Dominion but that of France, sent three Thousand Citizens forth to meet him, each of them having a Flower-de-Luce embroidred with Gold just upon his Heart.

Lewis Duke of Savoy waited for him at St. Cloud to make complaints of the dis∣obedience of Philip his young Son, who more sprightly then Amedea his elder Brother, had gained the affections of the Nobility, and was making his way to invade the Crown. The King commanded Philip to come to him; he immediate∣ly did so upon the Faith of a safe conduct, which hindred not his being Arrested, and then his sending him Prisoner to Loches. He was detained two years, to give his Father time to settle his affairs, and authority, and establish his eldest Son in the Succession.

The hatred betwixt the King and the Charolois was augmented more and more. There are five or six principal causes taken notice of. The surrender of the pla∣ces in the Somme, the kind reception the King made the Lords of Croüy, whom the Charolois had driven from his Fathers Court and Country for that reason; more∣over the Kings endeavours to lay a Tax or Gabelle upon Burgundy, contrary to the Articles of the Traty of Arras, and the favour he manifested to the Count d'Estampes, who was accused to have intended to poyson the Duke and his Son.

[Year of our Lord 1463] At the same time the Chancellor de Morvilliers a Man vehement and bold, went on the Kings behalf to forbid the Duke of Bretagne to Style himself any more Duke by the Grace of God, to Coyn any money, or to raise any Taxes in his Dutchy. The Duke taken unprovided acted cooly, and promised all; but demanded time to As∣semble the Estates of his Country; and in the mean while he diligently nego∣ciated with the Burgundian by Romille, and with all the Grandees of the Kingdom whom he knew to be highly discontented. The Habits of Fryers Mendicatns, especially of the Cordeliers, served to make the Messengers of these intrigues pass securely up and down.

The Charolois had chosen Gorcum in Holland for his ordinary residence, the Bastard de Rubempre slunk privately into that Port with a small Vessel, being dis∣guised like a Merchant, to Sieze and carry away alive or dead this Romille the Engine of all these designs, or perhaps the Count de Charolois himself. However it were, the Count having discover'd it, caused him to be imprisoned, and gave notice thereof to the Duke his Father who was going to Hesdin to Confer with the King.

Upon this intelligence the Duke retires in hast, his People gave out that there had been a design to Sieze upon the Father and the Son both at the same time, the Preachers entertained their Auditors with it, and Oliver de la Marche Made mention of it in Terms which hugely offend the Kings Honour. To justify himself against these reproaches, the King sent Morvilliers his Chancellor and some Lords to make great complaints to the Duke, and demand reparation. The Chancellor did it in such high words, and Soveraign expressions, that he seemed to design rather to exasperate then to compose differences; And indeed the Cound de Charolois said to one of the Ambassadors at their departure, that be∣fore one year were past, he would make the King repent it.

The King thought he had time to subdue the Breton before Philip, whom Age render'd unwieldy, could Dream of stirring. He therefore called the Grandees of the State together at Tours to make them know what reasons he had to under∣take it; Charles Duke of Orleance, first Prince of the Blood, whould needs speak

there of the disorders of the Kingdom, as his Age, his Reputation, and his Rank, obliged him to do; but his Remonstrances grated the Ears of the King, and were received with anger and contempt; In so much as he died for grief within two [Year of our Lord 1465] days after. This was the 4th of January.

In hatred towards that good Prince, and in prejudice of the pretensions he had to Milan, the King had a little while before acknowledged Francis Sforza for Duke of Milan, and with that had not only given up to him all the right the French had to the Seigneury of Genoa: But had also remitted and given him Savona which he yet held, declaring to all the Princes of Italy, that whosoever should assist the Genoese against Sforza, should be his enemy. So that Sforza by the support of his great name, made himself master of Genoa and of all that Signeury.

[Year of our Lord 1465] The Author of the Antiquities of Orleans says that the River of Loire was Frozen this year in the Month of June. If this prodigie were true, we must needs conclude it proceed∣ed from a natural cause, since Chronology demonstrates to us that the thing upon which he would have it to be a Miracle, could not happen in that time as he hath put it.

The Breton having dispatched his Ambassadors to Tours, to demand the Term of three Months, carried his practises on so cunningly, that his League was ready for their purpose, before the King had discovered any steps of it. The Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson, all the other Princes of the Blood, except the Counts d'Estampes, de Vandosme and d'Eu, almost all the Grandees, and all the late Kings old Captains were in it, amongst others the Duke of Nemours and the Counts of Armagnac, of St. Pol, of Dunois, of Dammartin who made his escape from the Bastille through a hole, the Mareschal de loheach, the Lords D'Albret, de Bueil, de Gaucour, and de Chaumont d'Amboise. They called it a League For the Publick Good, because the Princes gave it that fair pretence.

While the King was at Poitiers, the Bastard d'Armagnack Siezed his only Bro∣ther Charles, and carryed him into Bretagne. All the zealous Servants of the Deceased Charles his Father flocked in to him, and got him to write a Manifesto to all the Princes of France, inviting them to unite with their Party for the easing of the People, and the reformation of the Kingdom.

After the King had attempted in vain to reclaim them by fair promises, and flattering words, he went to strike the first blow at them, who had the first de∣clared themselves. These were the Dukes of Bourbon and Dammartin who had begun the War in Berry, Bourbonnois and Auvergne.

All Berry submitted, except Bourges which was guarded by the Bastard of Bourbon, Rion in Auvergne waited a Siege, and sustained it. John Duke of Nemours, the Count d'Armagnac, and Charles Sire d'Albret brought a considerable reinforce∣ment to the Duke: nevertheless he gave Ear to a Treaty with the King, promi∣sing to summon his Confederates to a Peace, and to abandon them, if they would not accept of reasonable conditions. Nemours gave his positive word to the King to side with his Party, but he kept it not; and the King kept the Oath he made to himself to be revenged in time and place convenient.

[Year of our Lord 1465] In this Country the King had notice that the Count of Charolois had taken the Field with the Duke his Fathers leave, who had assured him, when they parted that if he fell into any danger, he should not want an Hundred Thousand Men to bring him out again. He knew likewise that this Count had fifteen Hundred men of Arms, eight Thousand Archers, and a great equipage of Artillery and Wag∣gons, that he had made his Rendevous before Paris, and that the Duke of Bre∣tagne and Monsieur were to joyn him.

[Year of our Lord 1465] The Charolois sent the fairest pretence in the World before him, the Abolition of Imposts and the publick good. He burned the Seats of those Officers at all the places of Receipts, and tore their Registers, paid the expences of his Soldiers, and kept them in good Discipline. If this good order could have held all had been his own, or if the Breton had come at the time appointed, they had been Masters of Paris, there being few Soldiers in it, and many male-contented, and lovers of Novelties.

The fear of losing Paris made the King leave his other game, to get to Paris, before the Charolois: As soon as he had repassed the Loire, the Duke of Bourbon, Dammartin, Nemours, and Albret broke their words with him, and having got∣ten together ten Thousand men, marched to joyn with the other Con∣federates.

The Lords of the League were all to be at St. Denis towards the end of the month of June, the Charolois waited for them ten or twelve days, and in the interim attempt∣ed the Suburbs of Paris by several Skirmishes. When he found none stirred in his favour, and that he had no certain news of them, nor of the Bretons march, he was in great perplexity and thought to retire back again. Nevertheless the Vice-Chancellor Romille, a Normand and very subtil, shewing him from time to time Letters from his Master, which he wrote upon blanks Signed before, wrought so far that he engaged him to pass the River Seine over the Bridge at St. Cloud, to go and joyn the Breton towards Estampes where he thought to have met him. He quartered that day at the Village of Lonjumeau, his advanced Guard, at Montlehery. The King returning from Berry kept the same Road, and came to Quarter at Chas∣tres a League on this side of Montlehery.

Both Armies were mightily surprised to find themselves so near each other. The Kings design was to slip aside, and reach to Paris without hazarding a Battel; but Peter de Breze Grand Seneschal of Normandy, concerned that he should ask him whe∣ther he had not given his Hand and Seal to the Princes, engaged them to fight, where he was killed one of the very first. Thus hapned it to be a rencounter rather then a Battel. It was on Tuesday 16th of July near Montlehery, from whence it took [Year of our Lord 1465] name.

Both Armies, to speak properly, had the worst, and neither of them any advan∣tage. The Kings left Wing, and the Burgundians right were broken; and in the rout the fright was so great that there were run-aways both of the one and other Party that posted it, for fifty Leagues together without baiting, or looking be∣hind them, each of them declaring they had lost the Battel on their ••••de. The two Chiefs fought Valiantly in person, the Burgundian was twice near being taken Prisoner or slain▪

In the Evening, the King tyred with being on Horse-back all the day, was conducted by the Scotch-men of his Guards to the Castle of Montlehery. His men seeing him no more believed him to be dead; And the Count du Mayne, and the Lord de Montauban withdrew themselves with Eight Hundred Lances.

The Burgundian Army being half broken, all in a Consternation, fearing a new Engagement the next day which they could not have sustained, the Principal Of∣ficers were in deliberation to dislodge that night, and go towards Burgundy. Fear is an evil Counsellor, all were of that opinion, the Lord of Contay only hindred that retreat, which would have turned to a rout. The next day they had certain intelligence that the King was decamped, and gone to Corbeil, and a few hours after they were assured the Breton was arrived at Estampes. Thus the Field was left to the Charolois, which filled his head with so much pride that it may well be said that day was the cause of all his misfortunes.

The next day the King fearing to be hemm'd in, descended directly to Paris along the Seine. The same night he supped in the company of the principal Ladies of that City, to gain their hearts by the power of that insinuating Sex, and to have a Party amongst the Beauties to oppose the intrigues of those that were for the interests of the Princes. He also highly commended the Fidelity of the Citizens, and to allure the People he caused to be proclaimed in all the Suburbs an abatement upon Wines, from a fourth part to an eighth part, and a general revocation of all Imposts, the five great Farmes only excepted.

These favours being against his will did not last long, no more then the estab∣lishment he made of a Council of eighteen persons, six of the Parliament, six of the Body of the University, and six of the chiefest Citizens, by whose Counsel and advice he promised to be governed, according to the remonstrances of the Clergy, the Parliament and the University. The danger past he kept nothing of all this but a mortal hatred against those that had made the proposition, and particularly against the Bishop who first mentioned it in the name of the rest. This was Wil∣liam Brother of Allen Chartier, a man of great vertue, and hugely zealous of the publick good.

[✚] Being in want of money, he made great borrowings amongst his Officers. Which was the first occasion of making employments vendible, for he set aside those that had refused to lend him what he demanded. About fifteen days after having well provided for the security of the City, he went into Normandy to raise men and Money.

In the mean time the Count de Charolois marching to meet the Breton took the House d'Estampes to refresh his Soldiers and dress the wounded which were to

the number of almost two Thoúsand. At the end of three days the Breton arrived, having with him the Counts of Dunois and Dammartin, the Mareschal de Loheack, the Lords de Bevil, de Gaucour, and d'Amboise. 800 Men at Armes, and six Thou∣sand Light-horse.

It hapned one day that Monsieur, a young Prince who had but a faint heart; see∣ing the wounded men who were carried thorough the Streets of Estampes, and the sick that crawled up and down, let fall some expressions which signified his repentance for that enterprize. The Count de Charolois heard it: and perhaps he heard likewise that the Bretons, upon the rumour that had been spread how the King was slain in the Battel of Montlehery, had consulted of a means to rid themselves of him, that they might govern the new King alone: upon which he imagined that he might be left betwixt the Hammer, and the Anvil; and in this apprehen∣sion he sent to Edward King of England to treat of an Alliance with him, and de∣sire to have his Sister Margret. His design was but to entertain him with hopes, that he might make no League with the King; for he mortally hated the House of York, and was for the interest of Lancaster; nevertheless by over-acting the dis∣sembler, he engaged himself so far as to compleat the marriage, and took the Order of the Garter.

[Year of our Lord 1465] When the Princes had staid two Weeks at Estampes, they resolved to return be∣fore Paris, to try a second time whether they could move them to declare them∣selves for the publick good. Having therefore foraged the Country of Gastinois, they passed the Seine over a Bridge of Boats between Melun and Montereau. At this passage John of Anjou, Duke of Calabria and Lorrain, the Son of good King Rene and a great Captain, joyned them with the Forces of both Burgundy's. He had but eight hundred Horse, but of the very best, and amongst his Foot, which were but few, five Hundred Swisse, the first that were seen in France.

When all the other Lords were come with their Forces, there were near a Hundred Thousand Horse in that Army. The Burgundian had his Quarters at Charenton, and was lodged in his Castle of Conflans * 1.114, the Dukes of Berry and Calabria at St. Maur, and the rest at St. Denis, and the places there∣abouts.

In this multitude of principal Officers, there was no Head considerable enough to command this vast Body; they staid three days before Paris without doing any thing. Perhaps they might have forced it by assaults, had they undertaken it, for there were but five hundred Lances, and some Bands of Archers, however they rather furnished themselves, then starved the City to a Compliance.

It is true, they narrowly missed the gaining of it by Treaties and Intreagues. For some out of a desire to see the Blockade at an end, and the rest for fear of some sad event gave Ear to certain Letters brought them by the Heralds from the Brother of their King.

They sent Deputies to him from the Chiefest of the Clergy, the Parliament, the University, and the Citizens▪ The Bishop was Speaker. At their return, notwithstanding the contrary orders of the Count d'Eu who was Governor, it was concluded at their Town-Hall, that they should desire the King to Assemble the Estates, that the Princes might come into Paris in small companies, and that they should be furnished with Provisions for their money. The King being infor∣med thereof returned to Paris the 28th of August and broke off this project.

Had he staid two days longer, he might perhaps have found the Princes in Paris and the Gates shut against him. Had that hapned he had resolved to have re∣tired to Lewis Sforza Duke of Milan his good Friend, who had sent him a relief of seven or eight Thousand Men that mightily harrassed the Duke of Bourbons Country.

[Year of our Lord 1465] After his Arrival, no day passed without Skermishings, unless upon some Truces which were renewed divers times for four and twenty hours only. There had been a Conference agreed upon by Deputies the third of September, which was held at Mercers Grange. From that hour there was nothing but bargaining to debauch people, the Confederates grew jealous of each other, that Party disunited, and the Kings grew strong and better fortified, and Confirmed.

It was resolved the Council of Sforza Duke of Milan should be followed, which was to dissolve the League at what price soever, and for that purpose to grant to every one in particular almost whatever he demanded. The King had very near made an agreement which each of them, excepting only about the Appenage for his Brother; they being obstinately bent to have Normandy allow∣ed

him for that purpose. He could not consent to the dismembring that fair Pro∣vince: but in the mean time having information that the Duke of Bourbon who made War in that Country, having been by some intelligence introduced into the Castle of Rouen, had made himself Master of that City, and that all the Province inclined to the same resolution, allured with the desire of having a Duke as Bretagne had, who found themselves very well under him: he was induced to grant them what they held already.

[Year of our Lord 1465] The Treaty was concluded the 29th of October. The Count de Charolois had the Cities of the Somme, redeemable only after his Decease for two hundred thousand Crowns, and moreover the Counties of Guisnes, of Boulogne and of Pontieu. The Count de St. Pol who Governed him, had the Constables Sword; To the Count of Armagnac, and to all the rest they restored their Lands, and those Offices they were dispossessed of, and withal they gave them Pensions and employments: but in such a manner as sowed the Seeds of discord amongst them. The Duke of Bretagne made them pay the charges of his Army and his Journey. The Publick, which served for a Stalking-Horse to this War, and who had born all the expences, gained no advantage, save only that it was promised, That there should be named Six and Thirty Notables, or prime Men, twelve of the Nobility, twelve of the Clergy, and twelve of the long Robe, to consult of Methods to ease the People, and redress the disorders of the State.

[Year of our Lord 1465] The next day the King and the Confederate Princes met at the Castle de Vincennes, which he had put into the hands of the Count; and there Monsieur rendred Hommage for his Dukedom of Normandy. Two days after the Count took his journey to∣wards Flanders, the King conducting him as far as Villers le Bel, and at the same time the Duke of Bretagne went with Monsieur into Normandy to see him take the pos∣session of it.

The good success of Francis Sforza's Counsel did soon appear; the King gain∣ed the most valiant of their Commanders to be for him, put some of them into jealousies and divisions, sought occasions to strip others, and in time lighted on fit opportunities, which entangled them in great troubles and perplexities. The Count de Charolois was gotten into one that was bad enough, to wit, a War with those of Liege: he needed but to encourage them, by blowing up the Flame, and assisting those inveterate people in their furious hatred.

[Year of our Lord 1465] Their Bishop was Brother to the Duke of Bourbon, Nephew by his Mother to Duke Philip of Burgundy, they had expelled him the Country, because he did not live like a Prelate, and the Burgundian had undertaken to restore him. Those of Leige and those of Dinant sent to declare a War against the Charolois when he was on his March towards Paris.

For that time the Duke his Father with the assistance of the Dukes of Cleves and Guelders, compelled them in a few days to buy a Peace. But a while af∣ter upon the flying report that the Count was kill'd at Montlehery, they reassumed their Arms with more fury, relying upon the promise the King had made to give them assistance, and that he would make no Peace without them. Those of Di∣ant, a City Famous and enriched by their works in Copper, burst out into a Thousand outrages against the Charolois, even to the calling him Bastard, and hanging him in Effigie.

[Year of our Lord 1466] Their chastisement followed their outragious Insolence very close: The Duke laid Siege to the Town, his Son commanded the Army. The place was taken by Storm and burnt, eight Hundred of the Inhabitants drowned in the Meuse, and the rest abandoned to extream misery. The Liegois who came to their relief, terri∣fied with the smoak of this Fire, desired a Truce for a year, till the month of January the year following, and gave up three hundred Hostages.

[Year of our Lord 1465] The Duke of Bretagne would monopolize Monsieur to himself alone, and en∣joy all the favours he could confer in Normandy. John Duke of Calabria and the old Servants of Charles the VII. had their pretences too; divisions grew amongst them, one may guess whether Engines were then wanting to blow up the Sparks. They made John Duke of Calabria believe that the Breton had plotted to convey away Monsieur into Bretagne. Duke John gives notice hereof to the Normands, the noise is spread all over the City, the Foolish people take it for a truth, run to the Mount St. Catharine, where Monsieur was waiting till they had made all ready for his reception, sets him upon a Horse, and forces him to make his entrance Tumultously & without Ceremony. The Breton durst not appear and was constrained for his own

safety, and to avoid that fury, to retire into the lower Normandy, whose Cities were in his hands.

[Year of our Lord 1465] Soon as the King knew this, he took opportunity by the foretop. He marched directly to him, frighted him, brought him to a Conference at Caen, where the Duke consented that those places which he held, should be put as in Sequestration into the hands of Oder Daydic-lescun, since Count of Cominges.

Whilst the King was in this Country, the same Duke of Bourbon who had put Normandy into the power of Monsieur, laboured to get him out again, and put it in∣to the Kings possession. In all his life the Duke of Burgundy felt not a more sen∣sible displeasure, then to find that Prince whom he had loved above all the Men in the World, turn his back upon him so soon, and ruine his own designs.

[Year of our Lord 1466] Louviers and the Pont de Larche being surrendred to the King, those of Rouen demanded composition the 10th of January, and their miserable Duke denuded of Friends, Money, Heart and Counsel, escaped in pittiful equipage, and thought himself happy in finding a shelter at the Bretons. Thus Normandy kept her Duke but two Months. The King could not pardon the passion they had shewn to have one. It cost the lives of a great number of the most considerable in that Country.

The War with the Liegois detained Count de Charolois so, that he could not prevent this revolution, and old Age hindred Duke Philip his Father from stir∣ring in it so early as he would have desired. He held only a Correspondence with the Breton, and strove to Animate King Edward, whose Daughter he had de∣manded in marriage to make a descent in France.

During the noise which was spread every where, of this irruption, and the murmurings of infinite numbers of discontented persons, the King amused the people with the hopes of easing them, having Summoned an Assembly des Notables at Paris, out of which were chosen 21 Commissaries who began to set them∣selves about it in the Palace the 16th of July. The Count de Dunois presided; It was he alone who amongst so many Princes had followed it; out of that Lau∣dible zeal he hath transmitted to all his posterity, to procure the publick good.

There were more Propositions made, no doubt, then they intended to practise, and fine studied speeches; This is what they call in France, de Belles actions, brave actions.

[Year of our Lord 1466] The excessive heats of the Summer bred many contagious Maladies, which in the City of Paris alone, swept away above forty Thousand People, and frighted away a much greater number; In so much as the King desiring to re-people it, by an Edict called in all sorts of Nations and People, even such as were banished, or Criminals, to whom, besides the Abolition, he gave Priviledges and Fran∣chises.

[Year of our Lord 1467] The Pragmatique subsisted yet, Pope Paul II. sent as Legat to the King, John Joffridi Cardinal Bishop d'Alby to get the revocation verified; who employed John Balue Cardinal Bishop of Angiers, to carry the Letters from the King to the Chaste∣let and the Parliament. They passed at the Chastelet without opposition: but in the Parliament he found John de Sainct Romain Attorney General who opposed him to his face; and the University went to the Legat to signify their Appeal to the next Council, and after entred it into the Register at the Chasteler.

Paris being as it were the Kings Bulwark against the Grandees that loved him not, he ordained that all the Inhabitants, even the Ecclesiasticks should enroll themselves under the Banners of their Principals, and Sub-Principals, that is to say, of Colonels and Captains, and should provide themselves with good Arms. At one Muster which was made the 4th of September, there were found to be between 70 and 80000 men, between the ages of 16 and 60 years. In another which was made the following year they counted 84000.

[Year of our Lord 1467] The 15th of July in the year 1467. Philip Duke of Burgundy called le Bon (i. e. the Good,) ended his days at Brussels in the 72th year of his Age, and the 45th of his Domination. He yielded not in power or riches to any King but the French; but had not his like in Goodness and Magnisicence. And indeed he was adored by his people, respected by all the Princes of Christendom, and dreaded even by the Infidels. The Count de Charolois Succeeded in his great Dominions, not at all in his Goodness and Wisdom. He was Rash, Presumptuous, Quarrelsome and Bloody: But withal Valiant, Undaunted and Indefatigable in War, and who within him∣self observed exact justice and right towards his own Subjects.

[Year of our Lord 1467] At his first coming to this Estate he was engaged against the Liegois, whom the

King had wrought to break the Truce, and he assisted them yet, notwithstand∣ing he offered to forsake them, if the Duke would forsake the Breton, whom the King held already, as it were by the Throat, being entred into his Country with thirty Thousand Men. The Duke would do nothing of this; but hastned to make an end of the War with Liege. Now the Liegois having lost a Battel when they came to relieve the City of St. Tron, did submit themselves to any conditions he would require, excepting firing and plundring. He caused the Heads of 20 or 30 of the most guilty to fly, together with the Towers and Walls of the City of Liege, changed the Magistrates and the Laws, and drained them of great Sums of Money for his expences. This was in the Month of November.

The people of Flanders, especially the Gantois who had mutined after the Death of his Father, humbled themselves likewise before their victorious Prince, and sent him all their Banners to Bruges.

In the Month of October, the King received advice that the Duke of Alenson, who made one in every discontented Party, was joyned in that of Monsieur and the Duke of Bretagne, and had given them up all his places, by means of which and of those that yet remained in their possession, amongst others Auranches, Bayeux and Caen, they held almost all the lower Normandy. The King willing to tread him down first in his way to the others, did presently cause his Army to march into the Countreys of Perche and of Mayn, and arrived at Mans himself.

[Year of our Lord 1467] One of the causes which had most stirred up the Cities, especially Paris, against the King in the League for the publick good, had been the mutation of Officers. For this reason, before his march against the Leagued Princes, he made this celebrated Ordinance of the 21th of October,* 1.115 which bears, That considering that in his Officers consists under his Authority, the direction whereby are Policed and managed the publick affairs of the Kingdom, and that thereof they are Essential Ministers, as members of that Body, whereof of he is the Head, he would therefore free them from all doubts they had of falling into the ineonveniences mutation and destitution, and provide for their security. And therefore he Ordained that thenceforward there should be no Office disposed of unless it were vacant by Death, or by voluntary resignation, or by forfeiture, judged and declared Judicially by a competent Judge.

His Army lay all the rest of Autumn without doing much, for as subtil as he was, he suffer'd himself to be amused by the Breton, with the hopes of an accom∣modation. Nevertheless he did not wholly lose his time. Towards the end of the year, he Debauched Rene Count du Perche Son of John Duke of Alenson, who betraying his own Father, delivered the Castle of Alenson up to him, which in those days was reckoned for a very good place. The Breton forsook the Town. And sinding Monsieur and the Duke of Bretagne astonished at so unexpected an acci∣dent, he employ'd the Popes Legat to let them know that he would refer all his Deputies to the judgment of the General Estates; And for that purpose summo∣ned them together at Tours the first day of April.

[Year of our Lord 1468] All the Deputies proved to be so much at his Devotion, that they ordained nothing but what was conformable to his desires: That Normandy being united to the Crown, could not be dismembred to be given to his Brother: That that young Prince should be exhorted to be satisfied with twelve thousand Livers yearly Rent in Lands for his Appenage, and 60000 Livers Annual Pension, but this not to be a President for the futureSons of France. That the Breton should surrender the places in Normandy, and if he would not obey this Ordinance they should make War up∣on him with all their Forces, and to do this they proffered their Lives and Fortunes.

He caused this to be immediately made known to his Brother, and to the Bre∣ton; and at the same time his Army, led by his Admiral, entred Bretagne, took Chantoce and Ancenis, and penetrated a great way into the Country, whilst him∣self, after he had visited his good City of Paris, was gone towards the Frontiers of Picardy to make use of some Engines to endeavour to disjoyn the Duke of Bur∣gundy from them.

At that time the said Duke having vanquished the Liegois, had sent to entreat him to leave his Friends in Peace, otherwise he should be obliged to Succour them; And indeed he advanced by long Marches for that end: but mean while they be∣ing affrighted, though nothing appeared which could oblige them to precipitate themselves so soon, concluded their agreement, and complied with the resolution of the Estates.

The King failed not to give speedy notice of it to the Burgundian, but he would believe nothing; even the Herald from the Breton who carry'd him the News, ran the hazard of being hanged as a Party Suborn'd, because he had seen the King in his journey. At length he met with so many demonstrations that he must give Faith.

He encamped in great order along the Somme (He was the first that renewed the Roman Method, to enclose his Forces in a Camp entrenched.) Notwithstanding those precautions the Kings Army was so strong, and his Soldiers so Animated that he might easily have forced him had he undertaken it: but he would rather try a less hazardous way, and gave him six Score Thousand Crowns of Gold to [☞] procure a Truce. He never let any thing slip which could be purchased by money which cost him nothing, for that he drained out of his Subjects pockets, but the chance of a Battel concerned him most.

[Year of our Lord 1468] The Catalonians notwithstanding the Kings Sentence, and the accommodation of the Castillian, had chosen the foregoing year John Duke of Calabria for their Soveraign, as well for his valour as the pretensions the House of Anjou had to the Kingdom of Arragon. He made a War in that Country with the Kings assistance three years together, having sometimes good success, and sometimes bad: but in the year 1470. When he had routed the Army of John King of Arragon who besieged the City of Peralta, he Died of a Burning Feaver in Barcelona.

Lewis had a Genius that was marvellously Subtil, Insinuating and Intriguing: He knew it perfectly well, and had conceived that if he could but confer with the Burgundian, he could difunite him from the other two, or at least cast the Seeds of jealousies amongst them. He therefore negociated for an enterview, and by the advice of Cardinal la Balue, went to find him at Peronne where he was, without taking any Guards: but only the Cardinal, the Duke of Bourbon, the Count de Saint Pol, and two or three other Lords, thereby to shew an entire con∣fidence.

The Duke had lodged him in the City. Soon after there arrives three Princes of the House of Savoy, Philip Lord of Bresse, the Count de Romont, and the Bishop of Geneva, then the Mareschal of Burgundy, the Lords du Lau, and d'Ʋrfe, and some others, all Enemies to the King. Du Lau had been otherwhile his Favourite but afterwards had been clapt in Prison whence he made his escape. The sight of these People put him in such fear, that he desired the Duke to lodge him in the Castle; This was to go into the Trap, and give himself up a Prisoner.

Before his going to Peronne, he had sent Ambassadors to Liege, to stir those bustling People to take up Arms, and he had taken no care to countermand it. Now the Mine was sprung earlier then he would have had it; for at the first word those impetuous People went forth out of hand, took the City of Tongres imme∣diately, where they Seized their Bishop, tore in pieces five or six of his Canons, and slew some Burgundians.

[Year of our Lord 1468] At this news the Duke grows in a Rage, causes the Gates of the Castle of Pe∣ronne to be shut up, and hardly could retain his wrath, from a revenge upon the King himself. Three days together the King was in mortal Trances, he saw him∣self in the hands of his Enemies justly provoked and enraged, and who might have gained all by loosing him, amidst People that hated him to the very Death, and in a House at the foot of that Tower where Hebert Count de Vermandois had hereto∣fore put Charles the Simple to Death. In effect he had been lost had he not found out the means to gain some of the Dukes Domestick Servants (amongst others Philip de comines) who softned the Spirit of the Duke their Master. He would not withdraw himself from his Precipice but by making a new Treaty with the Duke, by which he agreed Monsieur should have the Counties of Champagne and Brie, and promised to follow the Burgundian to the destruction of the unhappy Liegois, with what numbers of men he should desire. He carry'd only some Guards, and 300 Soldiers.

Although the City of Liege were dismantled and without Guns, they never∣theless [Year of our Lord 1468] defended themselves desperately eight days together, made great Salley's, amongst others one in the Night wherein they had like to have killed the King and the Count in their Quarters. But on a Sunday the 30th of October which they believed to be a day of rest amongst Christians (as if there were any Religion in a War) they were Attack'd about Dinner time, and made but little defence. One

great part of the People fled over the Bridge that crossed the Meuse into the For∣rest of Ardennes, where more then half of them perished by hunger and cold, the rest got into Churches, or hid themselves in their Houses.

Fearconstrained the King to rejoyce at the unhappiness of his miserable Allies, to applaud the great actions of the Duke of Burgundy, before his own People and in his presence, and make Courtship to his own Vassal. Four days after he managed it so, by means of those whom he gained to be for him, that he was permitted to go, to cause the Treaty of Peronne to be verify'd in the Court of Parliament: for with∣out that, as Philip de Comines says, the Treaties were at no value. The Duke having made him some ill-favour'd excuses, for having brought him thither, con∣ducted [☞] him only half a League.

After the Kings departure he caused about a Thousand, or twelve Hundred of those miserable wretches to be drowned, that had been taken in their Houses at Liege and set fire to the whole City, excepting the Churches and three hundred Houses about them which were preserved to lodge the Clergy.

The Parisians could not refrain from Scoffing at the craft of the King, which brought him into this Trap at Peronne, he contrived to turn their discourse upon another Subject, by sending to their Houses to take away all their Deers, Goats, Cranes, Swans, Cormorants, and other Creatures which they kept for their pleasure, as likewise all such Birds as were taught to whistle and speak. Perhaps they had in∣structed some Parrot to say Peronne.

At his parting with the Duke, he had asked him what he understood he was to do in case his Brother would not be contented with Champagne for his Apennage: the Duke answered that if he would not take it, and that the King could other∣wise satisfy or content him, he would leave it to them two. He failed not to take his advantage of these inconsiderate words. He would not have his Brother be so near a Neighbour to the Burgundian, his Interest was to place him at the other end of the Kingdom to break off their Communication. That young Prince, Weak [Year of our Lord 1468. and 69.] and Inconstant of mind was Governed by Oder-Daydie Lord of Lescun a Gascon and vain, who would needs be a Prophet in his own Country; by his means he was persuaded to renounce Champagne, and accept of Guienne with the City of Rochel.

This change was the loss of that young Prince; The Cardinal de la Ballue, in whose hands the Treaty of Peronne had been Sworn, with much regret suffered it to be altered, whether out of love to Monsieur, or that he would have had the King still in some perplexity. This good Prelat and William de Hoeraucoux hold∣ing Intelligence with the Burgundian, wrote to Monsieur to dissuade him, and re∣presented many things to him for his advantage, but contrary to the Kings in∣tentions. Their Letters having been intercepted and they Seized, they ingenu∣ously confessed their practices. The King sent the information to his Brother; who suffering to be overcome by his Carasses, accepted of Guyenne, and came to meet him at Tours.

The Bishop was shut up in an Iron Cage, a punishment he well deserved, since he was the first inventor of it. The Cardinal was convey'd to the Bastille, where he remained twelve years, the Pope demanding him as liable only to his Justice, and the King pressing the Pope to let him have Judges assigned him within the King∣dom to hear his cause.

[Year of our Lord 1469] The good correspondence between the two Brothers seemed to be perfected, and the King to gain, or wean, Monsieurs Heart from the Countries on this side, allured him with a great Match in Spain. Henry King of Castille had a Daughter named Jeane, but whom the Castillians held for a Bastard, because he was esteem∣ed impotent; in so much as they had constrained him to declare the Infanta Isa∣bella, who was his Sister, his Heiress. The King sent the Cardinal of Arras to demand this Isabella for Monsieur: But the Lords of the Country having stollen her away, and married her to Ferdinand Infant of Arragon, he seeks to have Jane, which Henry agreed to. A Matter for a long War if Charles had lived.

The first day of August the King being at his Castle of Amboise, instituted an Order of Knighthood in honour of St. Michael, and limited the number of Knights to 36, yet was it never filled up in all his Reign.

The French particularly Honoured St. Michael as the Tutelary Angel of that Monarchy; And a better could not be pitched upon to tread down the Pride of the English, who carr'd Dragons in their Ensigns, then that Prince of they Celestial Militia, who is painted with a Dragon under his feet. And indeed, it had been

reported that he was seen at the head of our Army's sighting against them for the French.

He imagined by means or vertue of this Collar, that he should have drawn all the Grandees of the Kingdom within his clutclies when he held this Chapter. And therefore the Duke of Bretagne refused it, and the Duke of Burgundy doing yet worse, received the Order of the Garter, and wore it to his Death.

The Breton had in his service one Peter Landays his Treasurer, a man of Low Birth, but very knowing and able to countermine all the Artisices of Lewis XI. It was he that led him to all these evasions, and emboldned his Master to withstand all his devices, and his threats. Thus, what ever endeavours he could use, though he were on his Frontiers with an Army, he could never disunite him from the Burgundian, but only obliged him by a Treaty made at Saumur, to renounce all offensive Leagues against the Kingdom.

[Year of our Lord 1470] In the year 1470. John the Natural Son of Lewis Duke of Orleance, left this world aged 70 years, having divers years before left the Court because of his almost continual pain of the Gout, which the hardships in the Wars had brought upon him. This Prince, valued in all things, says Comines, having made himself as able a Counsellor as he was a Captain, was one of the principal instruments God made use of to drive the English out of France. Therefore the Princes of his Family gave him the County of Dunois, King Charles that of Longue-ville, the Office of Great Chamberlain, and the Lieute∣nancy General of his Army's and strong Forts; A power of so great extent that it hath been communicated to none but himself in the third Race.

[Year of our Lord 1470] The renunciation which the King caused the Breton to make, had most respect to Edward of York King of England, and Brother in Law to the Burgundian, of whom it was hour∣ly reported, that he was coming to Land at Calais. He was wholly prevented by the Earl of Warwick, who in revenge of some injuries received from him, set himself to carry on the interests of the House of Lancaster, and had even Debauched the Duke of Clarence his Brother.

He had the foregoing year defeated his Army, and afterwards took him Prisoner. Then Edward having escaped, beat him in his turn: So that he was forced to save him∣self in France, about the end of the Month of May this year. From thence returning into England with the Succours the King le••t him, he changed the Scene a second time. For all slocked to him, according to the Genius of that Country, which loves change, and [Year of our Lord 1471] Edward wholly forfaken, fled into Flanders to the Duke of Burgundy his Brother in Law. Then King Henry who was in the Tower of London was set at Liberty, and Warwick and Clarence took upon them the Government of the Kingdom.

Though the King still resented in his Heart the affront received at Peronne, nevertheless being of a fearful Spirit, and the length of any enterprize putting him out of patience if the success were not as swift as his desires: he would have lived in peace, if the Constable and those that were about him, had not excited his resentment to draw him to a rupture. They feared, and the Constable most of all, that a Peace making them appear useless, the King might think of retrench∣ing their great allowances, and his stirring mind, if it were not employ'd abroad, might put him upon great alterations at home in his Court.

Besides these motives, there was also an Intrigue of the Bretons and the Constables in favour of Monsieur. As they desired to strengthen him against the King, they had inspired him with a desire of marrying the only Daughter of the Burgundian; And because they knew the Father would not easily consent to it, they believed they should sooner bring it about by force, then by friendship, and therefore they resolved to engage the King to make a War upon him.

The Bias they took for this was to assure him that they had Infallible Intelligence how to surprize the Dukes Towns, and make his Subjects revolt in the very Heart of Flanders. Upon the hopes of these great advantages, he sent an Usher of the Parliament to Summon him even in the very City of Ghent, to give satisfaction to the Count d'Eu, from whom he detained some Lands, belonging to the Coun∣ty of Pontieu. In stead of appearing upon the Summons, he levy'd Soldiers at half Pay, but having been at this charge three Months, seeing no Body moved, he thought it was only a huffe, and dismissed them.

The House of Burgundy spared their People so much, that they kept up no Militia, nor Garrisons in their Towns, they thought that by Treating their Subjects well they were Guard good enough. However when he had laid down all his Arms,

he received divers informations that all was ready to overwhelm him. John de Chaalons Prince of Orange, and some of his Domestick Servants for sook him; Baldwin one of his Bastard Brothers (he had eight) Plotted to poyson him; the Breton renounced his alliance, and the Constable Seized upon the City of Saint Quentin. Then he that had feared nothing, began to apprehend every thing. He got together with much ado three hundred Horse, with which he advanced, to cover his other Cities on the Somme: But upon sight of him those of Amiens tur∣ned their backs and received the Kings Forces. Abbeville would have done as much if Desquerdes had not hinderd it.

He retired therefore to Arras with more hast then he went forth, and sent a private messenger to the Constable to pray him not to push things forward to ex∣tremity. He received for answer, that unless Monsieur would declare for him he could not be served in it: But that he was ready to embrace his defence, if he would give his Daughter in Mrrriage to him. A Note from Monsieur conveyed to him in a piece of Wax, assured him the same thing; and the Breton gave him intelligence that all his Towns, even Bruges and Ghent were upon the point of revolting, and that the King was resolved to besiege him, whithersoever he went.

But the more they will force him, the more he stands out against them. Not being followed so closely, as he might have been by the King, he resumes his Courage, gathers up Men, takes the Field, and having gained Pequiny, presents himself before Amiens, and Fired his Guns at the Town to invite the Constable to give him Battel. But finding the great numbers of men coming which the King got together at Beauvais, he retreated back, and wrote a very Submissive Letter to him, which in gross discovered the Artifices of those that Animated the King against him. The King who found he was as little secure as the Duke amongst such double dealing People, agreed to a Truce for a year the 12th Day of May. St. Quintin remained the Constables, and was at last the cause of his ruine. The Treaty Signed, the King went into Touraine. Monsieur to his Apennage of Guyenne, and the Burgundian to Flanders.

During this War, Edward of York with a Moderate assistance which the Burgundian and secretly furnished him withal (for he apprehended to offend the Earl of Warwick) had by the favour of the Duke of Clarence his Brother, whom he had regained by the in∣trigues of a Woman, re-enters England gained two Battels, one against Warwick who was killed on the spot, the other against young Edward Son of King Henry and the Queen his Mother, in which that Prince was slain. The Queen became a Prisoner to the Con∣queror, whom afterwards King Lewis redeemed by a ransom of 6000 Crowns. Thus Edward re-establisht himself in his Throne, and maintained it till his Death.

[Year of our Lord 1471] Sigismond Duke of Austria having need of Money, which that House hath ever been in great scarcity of, till the time of the Emperor Charles V. engaged his County of Ferreie for a Notable Sum to the Duke of Burgundy. The Duke puts [☜] in a very courteous Governor, he was called Hagembach, who laying great exactions, was the first cause of the Germans hatred towards his Master.

[Year of our Lord 1471] Pope Sixtus the IV. (this was Francis de la Rovere) Elected in the Room of Paul II. to follow the example of his Predecessors, Sollicited the Christian Princes to unite themselves against the Turks. For this purpose he sent the Cardinal Bes∣sarion a Greek by Birth and a person of great merit, to the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy. The Cardinal having seen the Duke first, the King was so much offended at it, that he made him wait a long time before he would ad∣mit him to his presence, and giving him Audience he rallied with him, and treat∣ed him as a Grecian* 1.116 Beard.

The Truce displeased the Duke who had made it by compulsion; neither was it to the good liking of Monsieur, nor the Breton, nor the Constable; thus all four sought to re-unite themselves rogether. The marriage of Monsieur, was the only tye that could be secure, the Burgundian promised it, though he had no mind to it; and upon this foot they renewed their League.

The Constables solliciting the other Princes to enter into it, the Duke of Bour∣bon gave notice of his practices to the King, who wisely dissembled it, contriving to be quit with them by the same method. For he every day pared away some∣what of his Brothers Apennage, threw one rub one day and another the next, De∣bauched

his Friends from him, corrupted his Servants, and got them to reveal all their Masters secrets.

By the Treaty of Constans, John Court of Armagnac had been restored to his Lands: the King had caused them to be again Seized on in the year 1468. And had given them to Monsieur with the Government of Guyenne; Monsieur being discontented had caused that Count to return, put him into possession of his Estate, and by his means, and with the assistance of the Counts de Foix, and the Lord de Albret, he raised Men, either that he might not be Surprized, or to undertake something.

[Year of our Lord 1471] Whatever his designs were, they were blasted by a detestable and cruel remedy. He loved a Lady Daughter of the Lord Monsereau and Widdow of Lewis d'Amboise, and had for Confessor a certain Benedictine Monk Abbot of St. John d'An∣gely, named John Favre Versois. This wicked Monk poyson'd a very fair Peach and gave it to that Lady, who at a Collation put it to steep in Wine, presented one half of it to the Prince, and eat the other her self. She being tender died in a short time; the Prince more robust sustained for some while the assaults of the Venome, but how-ever could not Conquer it, and in the end yielded his Life to it.

[Year of our Lord 1471] Such as adjust all the Phenomena's of the Heavens to the accidents here below, might have applied to this same a Comet of extraordinary Magnitude, which was visible four score days together from the Month of December. It's Head was in the Sign of the Ballance, and it had a long Tail turning a little towards the North.

In Spring the King drew near towards Guyenne; the Monk had perhaps reiterated his Dose. However it was, Monsieur died the 12th of May. In the mean time the Burgundian passionately desiring to recover St. Quintin and Amiens, was entred into a Treaty with the King, who promised to restore it, and to leave the Counts of Nevers and St. Pol to his Mercy: and the Duke reciprocally did oblige him∣self to abandon Monsicur and the Breton to him.

Neither of these Dreamt of keeping their Word of Faith. The Duke Signed the first, the King deferr'd from day to day, expecting what would become of his Brother: when he had certain news of his Death, he scoffed at the Duke, and Seized Guyenne again into his own hands.

Although in many actions he had not too much of the Fear of God before his Eyes: nevertheless he had great Devotion towards the Saints, enriched their Churches, went several Pilgrimages every year, particularly to places Consecrated to our Lady. He Or∣dained on the first of May that at the sound of the great Bell at Noon, every one should kneel down and say the Ave Maria. The same day after the procession, William Chartier Bishop of Paris Died suddenly, not without suspicion that some had contributed towards his Death.

[Year of our Lord 1472] It was in this year that Philip de Comines quitted the Duke of Burgundy, whose Domestick and Subject he was, to go into the Service of the King his Soveraign Lord. If the Motive thereto had been Honest, no doubt but it would have been explained by him who hath reasoned so well on every thing else.

Who could express the rage the Duke of Burgundy was in when he Learn'd the Death of the Duke of Guyenne? He entred into Picardy with a Torch in one hand and his Sword in the other. Hitherto burnings had not been practised by either Party: nevertheless he made a Bon-fire of all the open Country, and Sacrificed all that fell under his power to his Friends Ghost. Nesle taken by assault endured all sorts of cruelties, because the Inhabitants had killed a Herald at Arms who went to Summon them, and two men besides during a Surcease which had been allowed them to Treat in. The reverence to the Altar could not save those in∣nocent people who fled to the Church for refuge; and such as escaped the Sword were all hanged, or had their hands cut off.

His blind fury ran aground at the Siege of Beauvais. The want of attacking it roundly at first, made him lose six Weeks time and two Thousand Men. It is Memorable that upon a General Assault which was given the Thursday 9th of July, the Men within being ready to give ground, the Women conducted by one Jane Hatchete, did wonders, repelling the Enemy with showers of Stones, Wild-fire, and Lead melted with scalding Rozen. The Effigies of that Woman is yet to

be seen in their Town-Hall, grasping a Sword in her hand; and there is a procession the 10th of July, which is the Day on which the Siege was raised, where the Women march first, the Men following after.

[Year of our Lord 1472] Going thence the Burgundian Ravaged all the Country of Caux, took Eu and St. Valery: but was repulsed before Diepe, then before Rouen, and having threat∣ned Noyon, he retired to Abbeville.

From Guyenne the King passed into Bretagne to force the Duke to renounce the League, and surrender the Monk to him who had Poyson'd Monsieur. For Odet-Daydie had Seized him and transfer'd him to Nantes. The Monk was found dead in Prison, the Devil, as was said, having broken his Neck the Night before that day wherein they were to pronounce his Sentence.

This was what the King desired, that so the Proof of the Crime might perish with the Poysoner; and it was more easie now for the Breton to avoid the heavy strokes of his power by the ordinary craft of his Landays. He granted him a Truce the 10th of September, and remained still in Poitou, till it was converted into a fi∣nal peace. Which was brought about by the Mediation of Odet-Daydie, whom he allured to his Service by great rewards.

He knew better then any Prince in the World how to gain Men, discover his Enemies secrets, distract them with jealousies, divide the most united: but in his mirth he could not hide his secrets, every thing came to light, and he was like∣wise more subject to commit faults, then able to repair them; which he strove to do by Methods, more frequently bad then good.

[Year of our Lord 1472. 73.] In the beginning of Winter the Burgundian accepted a Truce. In the Month of February the Duke of Alenson who had a troubled and unquiet mind, for having contrived I know not what League with him, was made Prisoner and conveyed to the Castle of Loches, and from thence to the Lowre. The following year the Par∣liament by a Sentence of the 18th of July, Condemned him to loose his Head. The King his Godson gave him his Life, and Seventeen Months after took him out of Prison, and put him into a Citizens House at Paris under a good Guard, [Year of our Lord 1474] where he soon Died.

John V. Count of Armagnac who had been once more driven from his Country after the Death of Monsieur, had again Siezed upon his City of Leytoure, by cer∣tain correspondence, and had there surprised Peter de Bourbon Beaujeu, Governor of Guyenne. He was straightly besieged in that place, by the Kings Army com∣manded by the Cardinal of Arras. 'Tis said, that having capitulated with him, that good Prelate broke his Faith; so that the City was invaded during the Suspen∣sion, and the Count miserably Murth'red in his House. His Brother Charles was brought Prisoner to Paris.

During the Truce the Burgundian wont to conquer the Dutchy of Guelders. Duke Arnold had either sold or given it to him, disinheriting his wicked Son Adolph, who had a long time held his Father Prisoner, and was himself so now by the Burgundian at Ghent.

This new Acquisition gave him the Appetite to encrease on the German side: He flatter'd the Emperor Frederick with the marriage of his Daughter to his Son Maximilian, and was even willing she should give him her promise and a Diamond. With this Lure he brings Frederick to Mets, thinking by his Authority to make himself Lord of that Town (which did not Succeed) and got his promise, that he would raise his Dukedom to a Kingdom. With these hopes he went awhile after to him at Treves, carrying along the Regal Ornaments, and made him a Feast with more then Royal Profusion: But the Emperor meant the Marriage should be first accomplished, and the Duke would sign the Contract in Quality of King. They could not agree thereon; And the Emperor left him there without taking his leave.

[Year of our Lord 1473] The King let him run after his fancies, and endeavoured then to recover Per∣pignan, whereof John King of Arragon was repossessed by Intelligence, it was on∣ly the Town, for the Castle held out still for the French: Their Army went thi∣ther after the taking of Leytoure. King John besieged in the City though Aged above Seventy years, defended himself bravely for two Months together, till his Son Ferdinand came to his assistance and relieved him.

The Twelfth day of August Nicolas d'Anjou Son of John of Calabria who had Suc∣ceeded

to the Dutchy of Lorrain after the Death of his Father, Died of the Plague at Nancy. Thus his Cousin Rene of Lorrain, Son of his Aunt Yoland d'Anjou, and de Ferry, who was Son of Antony Count of Vaudemont, restored the Dukedom to their House whence it came.

For about four or five years past, the Constable play'd double betwixt the King and the Burgundian, and incited them the one against the other. He thought their broils was his only safety: but both offended with his duplicity, agreed his ruin at the price of his head and his plunder, if they could but catch him. He had some hint of it, and broke the project by the many reasons he gave the King in writing. But after he had obtained his pardon, he again offended him more grievously then ever: For he Seized on the City of St. Quentin, and which was worse had the impudence to confer with him well Armed upon a Bridge, with a Barrier betwixt them as he had been his equal.

[Year of our Lord 1474:] The Burgundians ambition was insatiable. He had invited Edward of the House of York to make a descent in France, where the Burgundian promised to do as much by his correspondence as they with their Forces: and nevertheless instead of wait∣ing for them, he went and ruined his Army before the Town of Nuz, building great designs upon the taking of this place which lies on the Rhine. The apparent reason why he laid that Siege, was to re-settle Robert de Bauiere in the Arch-Bi∣shoprick of Cologn, whose Channons had refused to admit him, and for their Chief had taken one of their Colleagues, to wit Herman Brother of the Landgrave of Hesse.

[Year of our Lord 1474] As King Rene was good, liberal and devout, so was he inconstant and variable, of Courage tame and weak. His Sons and Grand-sons being all dead, there re∣mained only his Daughter Yoland mother of Rene Duke of Lorrain: but that House was at distance from him, and such as were near, made him believe that ha∣ving received so many troubles from her, he ought not to love her, and inclined him according to their interests, to give his Succession one while to the King of France, another while to Charles Count du Maine his Nephew, Son of his Brother of the same name, another time to the Duke of Burgundy. And this is the reason of so many several Wills and divers Donations made by him on that Subject.

It is believed that he caused one to be written in Letters of Gold and Adorned with Miniature, whereby he made the King his Heir to the County of Provence. It is certain that this year 1474. he instituted Charles du Maine in all his Lands, reserving only the Dutchy of Barr, which he left to his Daughters Son Duke Rene. Now the following year when he saw the King had Seized his City of An∣gers and the Castle of Barr, for the Portion, said he, of Mary d'Anjou his Mo∣ther, he changed his mind, or pretended so, and to make him afraid, said he would bestow it upon the Duke of Burgundy: but the King being purposely ad∣vanced as far as Lyons, hindred him, and thereupon hapned the defeat of that Duke, as you shall see.

Whilst he was battering his Head against that potent Body of Germany which is all of Iron, the King accumulated Enemies on that part against him, especially the Swisse, whose alliance he had gained with the Cities of Basle, and Strasburgh, and others on the Rhine, Sigismund Duke of Austria, Rene Duke of Lorrain, and even the Emperor Frederic. Sigismund with the aid of the Swisse, re-enters the County of Ferrete, and caused Hagenbac's head to be cut off for the Concus∣sions he had use•• ••ene Duke of Lorrain sent to declare War against him even before Nuz, by a Moorish Servant who belonged to the Lord de Craon; and Frederick Armed all the power of the Empire to force him to raise the Siege. Nevertheless durst he not attack him, though he were four times more in number. The Bishop of Munster alone had brought thither 1200 Horse and 60000 Foot, all cloathed in Green, with 1200 Waggons.

[Year of our Lord 1475] The Truce betwixt the King and the Duke being expired, the King goes into the Field, and snatched from him Roye, Montdidier and Corbie: but neither this multitude of Enemies, nor the Winter long and sharp, nor the loss of his Towns, could not make his stubborness Flexible, which held him still to that Siege for ten Months from its beginning.

In the Month of June Edward King of England caused his Army to Land at Calais which took up three Weeks time. Whilst he was putting them ashoar, he sent two or three dispatches to him, prayed him, and pressed him to come and joyn with him, the Duke making now one delay, and then another. The Mediation of the

Apostolick Legat, and of the King of Denmark, who was in a City near at hand, was a plausible pretence for him to withdraw from that dangerous enterprize with Honour, but he obstinately refused it. In the end when he saw it was too long a business, though he was within ten days of taking the City by Famine, he con∣sented it should be put into the hands of the Legat.

That done he comes post to find the English at Calais, leaving his Forces in Barrois, so shatter'd that he durst not let them be seen. He conducted the King all along the way to Peronne, and from thence went to see the Constable at St. Quentin, who gave him his word he would deliver that City and all his other places up to the English; the Duke assured them of it: But when they would have approached, he caused them to Fire upon them. It is hard to express, whether was then greatest, their amazement or their rage; the Duke having spent a great many words to Interpret this in the best Sence, returned to Barrois to recruit his Forces.

* 1.117 Edward was a Voluptuous Prince, very Fat and naturally slow, who sought only to cram his Purse, and who having undertaken this War, rather to screw money from his Subjects, then to acquire Dominion or Honour, had brought over with him some of the Fattest London Citizens such as loved their ease mightily, that so their weariness and toyl might make them sooner willing to desire a Peace. It hapned therefore, that during the Burgundians absence, the King by force of intrigues, of flattery, and withal some Presents, whereof the English are very greedy, per∣suaded that Prince, and his Councel, to hearken to an accommodation.

The procedure of the Burgundian, who had made them expect too long, and which was worse the double persidious dealing of the Constable, and the approach∣ing Winter, they having no one place to shelter themselves in, gave them a plau∣sible pretence to do so.

In few days the Deputies for the two Kings agreed upon conditions; It was a Merchandized Truce for nine years, the Burgundian, and the Breton to be compri∣zed, if they would; 73000 Crowns of Gold ready Money for the English, and the Marriage of his Daughter with the Dauphin; for whose maintenance King Lewis would allot the Revenue of Guyenne for nine years, or 50000 Crowns ayear, which should be carried to the Tower of London to the King of England.

[Year of our Lord 1475] When the Duke had notice of what was treating, he came in great hast, he being the Sixteenth of his Company, to find Edward. He spake loud, he thun∣dred, and braved him: But neither his fury, nor his reproaches having done good, he turned short home again. The Truce agreed, whilst the Kings were to sign the Treaty, the King of England came with his Army to lodge within half a League of Amiens. The King sent him 300 Waggons laden with the best Wines, and gave order they should permit as many English as desired to come into Amiens, and that nothing should be spared to make them welcome; Which lasted three or four days.

It was afterwards resolved the two Kings should have an enterview on a Bridge which was erected at Pequigny upon the Somme, with a Barriere grated betwixt them. And there they ratified the Peace the 29th of August. That done, the King of England with all the Lords of his Retinue repassed the Sea, very well sa∣tisfied with the good Wines, and the sine French Gold, there having been 16000 Crowns distributed in Pensions amongst such as had most Credit with their King.

The Burgundian shewed himself a little refractory till in the Month of October he accepted of a Truce. In the mean time his Choler discharged it self upon the young Rene Duke of Lorrain whom he stripp'd of his Dukedom, all but Nancy, which defended it self above two Months.

Then the Constable who thought to have plaid upon all the three Princes, pro∣mising to each of them his Town of St. Quentins, found himself exposed as the Butt for all three to Shoot at; and unhappily for him, his Wife, who was Sister to the Queen hapned to Die. This Lord so powerful, who wanted neither for Servants, nor Money, nor strong Holds, wanted both Courage and Brain all of a sudden; and fearing all the World, durst not Trust any one. In fine, he retired into the Burgundians Country, whom he guessed the most exorable, and who in effect gave him security to go thither.

He was no sooner gone out of St. Quentin but the King Seized it, and gave notice of it to the Burgundian, Summoning him to deliver up that Infidel in Ex∣change of that place, conformably to an Article of the Truce between them. The

Burgundian was then before Nancy, which was necessary for him to keep Lorrain in awe, and to joyn the Low-Country to the Dutchy and County of Burgundy. For fear therefore, lest the King should disturb him in that Conquest, he caused the Constable to be Seized at Mons, whence he was transferr'd to Peronne, and orde∣red his People to deliver him, but not till a certain day remote enough, in which time he believed he should take Nancy, and then promised himself by that space he might revoke his order. But the place defended it self so well that he could not master it within the said time, and nevertheless his people delivered up, the Con∣stable with his Letters, sealed Writings, and other pieces to convict him.

[Year of our Lord 1475] They gave him not leasure to bethink himself, he was led to the Bastille, the 2d of December, examined by some Commissary's, condemned to Death by the Parliament, and Executed in the Greve the 19th of the same Month. A Lesson Written in Letters of Blood for such as would make themselves a Terror to their Princes.

[Year of our Lord 1475] After the City of Perpignan had endured a year and a halfs Siege, and a Fa∣mine to the very Eating of Leather, it Surrendred to the French about the end of this year; and thus the Country of Roussillon remained once more in the French hands.

[Year of our Lord 1476] The eighth of January following was Published an Edict of the Kings, which enjoyned all the Bishops to go to their Diocesses, on pain of a Seizure of their Temporals, to prepare themselves for a Council, which he said was necessary. He likewise Ordained that all such as came from Rome should be obliged to shew the Papers they brought: All this to frighten the Legat the Popes Nephew, (it was John de la Rovere) who would undertake too much.

Lorrain being Conquer'd the Burgundian cast his thoughts upon many other Pro∣vinces; King Rene made him hope for Provence, he disposed of the Estates of Sa∣voy almost as much as of his own, the Dutchess adhering to him, fearing lest he should bring the Uncles of her Pupil to invade that Dutchy: From thence he went into Italy where he had an Alliance with the Duke of Milan, and a great ascen∣dant by Fame, over all the petty Princes of that Country.

But before this he would needs compel the Swissers to stoop to his Laws, where he went so much resolv'd, hating them besides already, that he refused their most humble Submissions, and the offers they made to enter into his alliance, and to re∣nounce all others, even that with the King. An Invasion they had made upon the Lands of James of Savoy Count de Romont served him for a pretence to Attack them; the quarrel between them and that Count proceeded from a very small occasion, which was for a Cart Load of Sheep Skins he had taken from them. A∣gainst this Rock it was then that his querellous Ambition went to make Shipwrack, and dash it self in pieces. They were as yet but Peasants and very little known: but who had all the Strength and Force of a Natural Valour, never yet softned by the Luxury of their Neighbours.

[Year of our Lord 1477] To tell it in few words, the 5th of April he lost his Infantry, and his rich Equipage at Granson, the 20th of June all his Forces even to the number of 18000 Men before Morat; and in fine, the 5th of January being the Eve of Twelfth-day, his own life, and the Grandeur of his House before Nancy.

[Year of our Lord 1476] After the Battel of Morat, Duke Rene who was come thither with the Swisse and the Germans; and by his Valour had contributed much to the Victory, went and retook his City of Nancy. The Burgundian after that unfortunate day, finding all his Allies abandon'd him, and his Subjects began to despise him, was fallen sick with Spite and rage; from which not being recover'd to his full Sences, he obstinately continued against all reason to undertake afresh the Siege of that place, though he had but 3000 Men only, and it was in mid-Winter.

His great Confident was the Count Nichole de Campobasse a Neapolitan, who was come into his Service after the Death of Prince Nicholas Grandson to King Rene. He it was that had the whole superintendance of the Siege. This Traytor hin∣dred him from advancing, causing all things necessary to be wanting. He had Sworn the destruction of his Master, and even bargained openly enough for his Life with all his Enemies. In the mean time the Duke of Lorrain arrives with 20000 Swisse and Germans; and the Kings Army was in Barrois: thus this un∣happy Prince was environed with Enemies on every hand. He had no more then Twelve Hundred men in a condition to fight; he was resolv'd to it nevertheless

to his utter misfortune. In the beginning of the Battel, Campobasse retires with 400 Horse which he commanded, and left ten or twelve Men to Assassinate him upon his being Routed, which he took for certain; in effect, the Burgundians held [Year of our Lord 1477. In January.] out but a moment, and the Duke was killed with three wounds. He was in his 46th year, and had ruled Eight only.

They guessed they knew his Body by several marks, and the Duke of Lorrain went in a Mourning Habit; and with a Golden Beard, after the manner of the Heroe's, to besprinkle him with Holy water, and then caused him to be Interr'd at Nancy. Nevertheless being much beloved by his own Subjects, the People imagined he had saved himself, and for very shame had gone and hid himself in a Hermitage, whence they said he would return again after seven years Pennance. In so much that many lent money upon condition to be repaid when he appeared again. His Atrabilary humour, and a certain person that had been seen in Suabia who resembled him much in Shape, Hair, Voice and Countenance, gave colour to this report.

[Year of our Lord 1477] He had no Children but one Daughter named Mary, aged almost Twenty years. All the Forces of this Puissant Family had been cut off in these three great Battels, his Captains and Noblemen almost all taken; There were no Garrisons in their Towns, no Money in their Coffers, but a Tumultuous and amazed Council, People astonished and disobedient, and a Potent Enemy well Armed, subtil, and who spared nothing.

Thus every thing had soon passed under the Dominion of the King, if he would have taken the method propounded for the Marrying that young Princess with his Son, or to some other Prince of the Blood. And truly if he had bestowed this wealthy Heiress upon Charles Duke of Orleance, Count of Angoulesme, whom she ardently desired, all the Low-Country's would have been to this day united to France; For that Prince had a Son that attained to the Crown, which was Francis the I. But he so perfectly hated that House of Burgundy, that he would anihi∣late it, making account to take away all such Lands as appertained to the Crown, and to make the rest fall into the hands of some German Princes his Allies.

As to the first, he brought it to pass almost entirely, and without much difficulty there being no Governors left that were Proof against his Bribes, or the fears of loo∣sing their Estates. The Burghers of Abbeville surrender'd first to his Men whom he had sent before him. When he appeared in Picardy, William Bische, a man of low condition, raised by the Deceased Duke Charles, gave him up Peronne: Others delivered to him Han and Bouchain, St. Quentin, Roye and Montdidier were taken by themselves.

While he was at Peronne, there came Ambassadors from the Princess Mary to desire Peace of him, and offer all obedience to him, and the Marriage of their Soveraign with the Dauphin. He neither accepted nor refused the conditions: but obliged them to facilitate the Peace, to acquit Philip de Crevecoeur Desquerdes, of the Oath he had made to the House of Burgundy, and to order him to deliver the City of Arras to him. This Desquerdes having already Treated secretly with him, entred into his service, and caused Hesdin, Boulogne and Cambray, likewise, to be also surrendred up to him. Hesdin staid till it was a little battered only for form sake, and then conditioned. The City of Boulogne resisted but little more. [Year of our Lord 1477] It belonged to Bertrand de la Tour d'Auvergne, from whom the Burgundian detain∣ed it. The King would keep it himself, and in exchange gave him the County de Lauraguez.

The City of Arras had likewise taken an Oath: But soon after they repented, and would have called in some Forces that were at Doway, remainders of the de∣feat at Nancy. Those of Doway, whose Pride had not yet been humbled, having adventured to March by open day-light, were cut off in the plain Field, and the Lord de Vergy who conducted them was made Prisoner.

The King afterwards went to besiege Arras: His wrath went no less then to raze it to the very Foundations: Nevertheless the Supplications of Desquerdes ob∣tained composition: but it was not observed towards the rich Citizens: To get their Fleeces they took away their Lives.

On the other hand the Prince of Orange having for the second time reconci∣led himself to the King, persuaded the Estates of the Dukedom, and the County of Burgundy, partly by reason, partly by force, to submit themselves to his Obedi∣ence.

Which he did the more easily for that Vergy the most powerful and the most zealous Lord of those Countries, was yet a Prisoner.

They had given that Prince hopes of his having the Government of both the Burgundy's, and to restore some certain Lands to him which Duke Charles had made him lose by a Sentence given in favour of his Uncles the Lords of Montguyon; and besides he had this for a Cover of his persidiousness, and made use of it as a Lure to the Estates; That the King did not Seize upon these Country's to detain them, but only to preserve them for the Princess against the Swiss and Germans. They soon found how it was when he had gotten possession; For he declared the Title he had, to wit that of Reversion for want of Heirs Males to the Dutchy, and that of Donation to the County, which he pretended had been given to the Crown of France by Count Otho V. of that name, when he married his Daughter with Philip le Long.

The greatest disorder in the affairs of the Princess of Burgundy, was caused by the Gauntois. As soon as they were assured of the Death of Duke Charles, they renewed their Commotions, slew their Magistrates, made themselves Masters of the Person of their Princess, and as they were induced with great Pride and little understanding, they would needs do every thing, and did nothing but mis∣chief.

She had in her Council the* 1.118 Dutchess Dower, Philip of Cleves Lord of Ravenstein, the Chancellor Hugonet, and the Lord d'Imbercourt. They likewise called in the Bishop of Liege, the Duke of Cleves, and the Son of the Count de St. Pol. They were all divided about the marriage of the Princess; Ravastein desired to have her married to his Nephew, the Son of the Duke of Cleve: The Chancellor Hugonet, and the Lord d'Imbrecourt to the Dauphin, and the Gauntois to some German Prince.

The Deputies from these were gone to the King of France in behalf of the States of Flanders, and said they had full power to negociate a Peace. The King shew∣ed them maliciously some Letters from the Princesses Council, which mentioned the quite contrary. Their brutish Pride believed the Council plaid upon them, and prompted them immediately to revenge. As soon as they were return'd to Gaunt they laid hold on Hugonet and Imbercourt, made Process against them under pre∣tence of some concussions, and cut off their heads, not being moved with the humble Prayers and Intreaties, or the abundant Tears of their Princess, who with dishevel'd Hair came to the place of Execution to Implore the Lives of her two faithful Servants. With the same fury they took away Ravastein and the Dutchess Dower from her: gave her a Council of their own chusing, and drew Adolph of Guelder out of Prison to command their Forces.

Ever since the War for the Publick Good, the King had always had a Mortal de∣sire for revenge against James de Armagnac Duke of Nemours. This Lord after the Death of the Count d'Armagnac, had retired himself into the strong Castle of Carlat in Auvergne; in the year 1476. Peter de Bourbon-Beajeu had order to take him. He could not have compassed it by force, he makes use of fraud, giving his Faith he should have no hurt; yet nevertheless he brings him to the Bas∣tille.

About seven or eight Months after, the Parliament had orders to proceed against him. Those men of honesty could not find any thing charged upon him sufficient to make him Guilty, the King sends them to Noyon the 20th of June, to teach them their Lesson, and put out of their places such Counsellors as refused to con∣clude he deserv'd Death. The rest returning to Paris, Chancellor Peter Doriole presiding, they condemned him the 4th of August to lose his Head, and the same day the Sentence was put in Execution. The King would have his two Sons, who were yet but Children, stand under the Scaffold, that their Fathers Blood might run down upon their Heads.

[Year of our Lord 1477] The Flemmings and the Duke of Bretagne earnestly Sollicited the King of England not to suffer the Heiress of Burgundy to perish without assisting her; but the King amuzed him still with the Marriage of the Dauphin to his Daughter, and spared neither Presents nor Pensions to all that were about the King, who besides was over-burthned with Fat, too much addicted to his pleasures, and who feared dan∣gers greatly, because he had greatly suffer'd.

His Brother George Duke of Clarence, having medled too much in his affairs, or

for some other cause which was never known, fared but very ill; he caused him to be drowned in a But of Malmesey.

In these times, Oliver le Daim the Kings Barber who made himself a man of great importance, had taken a Commission to reduce the City of Gaunt, thinking he had much Credit amongst them, because he was a Country mans Son of those parts. The Gauntois baffled him as he deserved. Retreating thence he by surprize got the Kings Forces into Tournay, that from thence he might molest the Flemmings. The Gauntois having taken Arms went Head-long to attack this place: But they were ill handled, and Adolph de Gueldres killed in their retreat. This was about the beginning of July.

[Year of our Lord 1477] It had been their design that he should Marry the Princess, who very glad to be so deliver'd from him, resolved in fine, to determine which to take of the many that aimed to get her. She therefore chose Maximillian Son to the Emperor Fre∣deric to whom she had plighted her Faith in her Fathers Life time. The Marri∣age was Consummated at Gaunt about the end of July. He was so poor that his Wife was forced to be at the charges for the wedding, for his Equipage, and the maintenance of his Servants.

At first she got no advantage by a Husband who had no assistance from his Father very covetous, nor his Uncle Sigismond rich enough in money, but of a very poor Spirit. Nevertheless upon the consideration of his Father, who was Emperor, the King being entred into some Conferences with him, found it fit to grant him Truce for a year, and to restore to him Quesnoy, Bouchain, and Cambray, which were in the Territories belonging to the Empire. Others say they drove out the French Garrisons, and rendred themselves to Maximillian.

The Lord de Craon, this was George de la Trimoville, who commanded the Kings Army in Burgundy, treated the Prince of Orange ill, and did not restore him to his Lands, as the King had promised, notwithstanding he had express orders. This was the cause that the Prince joyned himself again with Claude de Vaudrey and some other Noble-men of the Country, and led away almost all the Province from him. It is true that the Battel he afterwards lost nigh Montguyon brought back the Dutchy: but the War did not end there as to the County. Amongst other events the Lord de Craon shamefully raised the Siege before Dole: The King was so angry, that for this, and his plundrings, he set him aside, and put Charles d'Am∣boise Chaumont in his place.

This man laid the foundation of the first League which the Kings of France have had with the Swisse. He stipulated that the King should give a Pension of 20000 Livers yearly to the Cantons, and as much to some particular people, for which they should furnish him with six Thousand men to be paid by him, and should give him the first Rank amongst all their Allies, at which they made some difficulty, because the Duke of Savoy had ever held it.

The Truce being expired, Maximillian caused some Forces to enter Burgundy, who more by the Factions of the People that regretted their ancient Princes, then by their own proper strength, took Beaune, Chastillon, Bar, Semur, and divers other places, with so great facility, that if the Emperor Frederick had assisted his Son never so little, he had at that time re-conquered all the Dutchy. The Lord d'Amboise who had money and men in abundauce, chased them almost as easily out again, as they gotten in; and thereupon the Truces were renewed for some Months.

The Kings of France had for a long time had a good number of Gentlemen Pensioners, to attend and to Guard them: King Lewis encreased the number, and gave them a Captain.

[✚] His impatience to know speedily all that passed in every part of his Kingdom, was the occasion of setling the Posts, and Couriers, who for a long time were only for the Kings Service.

Italy had divided it self in two Factions, one for the Pope and Ferdinand King of Naples, the other for the Duke of Milan with the Venetian and the Florentines. At Florence there were two Potent Families, that of the Passi most ancient, and that of Mede∣cis richest; The latter as then Governed, and the two Brothers Julian and Laurence were the Heads.

[Year of our Lord 1478] The Passi, under the secret protection of the Pope, conspired to assassinate them at Church upon Sunday 26th of April. Julian was Murthered, Laurence saved himself

in the Sacrary; The Populace being raised, ran upon the Passi, and exterminated all of them. The Conspirators who had gotten themselves into the Palace to Seize it, were shut in there, and Hanged up at the Windows; amongst others, the Arch-Bishop of Pisa; and they imprisoned a young Cardinal Nephew to the Pope, who was found to be Innocent. Now the Pope, upon pretence of revenging the Honour of the Ecclesiasticks, commenced a rude War on the Florentines, both with the Fulminations of the Church, and with ma∣terial Arms and Forces.

The King endeavoured an Accommodation, but being unable to effect it, he took part with the Florentines, and sent Philip de Comines to them, who only brought some Succours from Savoy, and Milan. He had no mind to employ his Forces in so Forraign an Expedition; but to frighten the Pope, he spoke of calling a Council, and continuing the Pragmatick. For this purpose he convened all the Prelats, and the Deputies of the Universities of the Kingdom at Orleans, and dis∣patched a Noble Embassy to the Pope (Guy d'Arpajou Vicount de Lautrec was the principal) to demand of him, that he should off the Excommunication he had thun∣dred against the Florentines, and that they should severely punish all the Complices of that Conspiracy.

The* 1.119 Scandalous Chronicle has noted, That in this year in a Monastery of Benedictines in Avergne (it was that of Issoire) there was found a Monk both* 1.120 Male and Female, who made use of either Sex, particularly of the Femininr; as appeared by proving great with Child.

[Year of our Lord 1479] The second Truce expired, Chaumont got first into the Field, and scowred all the Franche-Comte, even to the City of Dole; Which having been taken by the Teachery of the German Forces, who entring therein to relieve it, introduced the French, was sacked and destroyed, and remained some years Buried under its own Rubbish.

At the same time Maximilian with his Army besieged Terouenne. The Kings, which was commanded by Desquerdes, going to its Relief, the Besiegers raised their Siege to encounter them. The Shock was given near the Village of Guinegaste. Desquerdes at first made the Flemmings give ground: but pushing it too far, the Counts of Nassaw and de Romont, rallied some Companies, and put the French to a Rout: The Field remained to Maximillian, though much more cover'd with the dead Bodies of his own Men than of Enemies; and this day regained him some Reputation in his Affairs.

[Year of our Lord 1479] At Sea the Normand Captains took 80 Vessels laden with Wheat, which the Flemmings were bringing from Prussia, and all their Fleet of Herrings; an ineste∣mable damage to that Country.

In these times arose the power of the great Czar of Russia, or Muscovy. Russia had heretofore many Princes: But they were as Slaves to the Cham of those Tartars, who Inhabit the other side of the Volga. Duke John shook off that Yoke of Slavery, and besides Conquered divers Cities in Russia Alba, who obeyed the Duke of Lithuania, and reduced to his Command the Great and Famous City Novogorod Capital of Russia; then that of Mosco, which takes it's Name from the River on which it is Scituate, and gives it to all this State.

[Year of our Lord 1479] When the good King Rene was Dead, which hap'ned the 10th of July in the year 1479. The King not openly permitted Charles II. Count de Mayne to put himself into possession of Provence, according to the* 1.121 Testament we have before mentioned, but likewise interposed his Authority with the Provensals to Enthro∣nize him in that County, being perhaps well assured of what hap'ned two years after.

[Year of our Lord 1480] As all things went according to his wishes, it hap'ned, that being at a Village near Chinon during the Month of March, he was on a Sudden deprived of his Speech and all manner of Knowledge. At two days end, he recover'd both the one and the other: But his Body remained so Weak and Languishing, that he could never regain his perfect Strength.

The Legat Nephew to the Pope, took his time upon occasion of this Malady, to intecede for the Cardinal de la Ballue, who on his part did so cunningly feign a Retention of Urine, that the King believing he would not live long, and making

conscience to let him die in Prison, set him at Liberty towards the end of No∣vember, upon condition he should leave the Kingdom, which he did, and retired to Rome.

Revenge, jealousie, and distrust, which are the Signs of a weak and ill temper'd Soul, encreased upon his Spirits, whilst he decreased in Strength. He was afraid that if they thought him uncapable to act, they would usurp the Government; the Duke of Bourbon being the only Prince almost, that had the Qualities re∣quisite for such a Pretension; he fell into so much hatred against him that he caused his Lands to be Seized, and sought out some colourable occasion to ruin him.

At the same time, whether he could not confide in his natural Subjects, or for some other reason, he disbanded the Franc's Archers, and in their stead raised Companies of Strangers, especially Swissers.

[Year of our Lord 1480] In this condition he was glad to make Truce with Maximilian for Seven Months, to Commence in August. The following year it was prolonged a Twelve-month more. [Year of our Lord 1481]

[Year of our Lord 1480] The Sultan or Grand Seigneur Mahomet II. caused the Island of Rhodes to be Be∣sieged by the Visier Messite one of his Captains, and sent almost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same time the Bassa Gedue Acmet, to make a Descent on the Coast of Calabria. The first after he had lost ten Thousand Men, and spent three Months time, shamefully raised the Siege: but the other took Otranto by Assault the 27th Day of August, and struck a Terror through all Italy.

Charles Duke of Burgundy, whose thoughts had only been for War, desiring to imitate the Roman Discipline, had begun to keep and to exercise his Men in Camps. The King after his example caused one to be made in a Plain near the Pont de Larche, retrenched and closed up with Waggons. He gave the com∣mand of it to Desquerdes and put in 10000 Foot, Pikemen and Halberdiers (for experience had taught him in the Warrs with the Swiss and Liegois, that those were the best Weapons, or Arms, for the Infantry) 2500 Pioneers, and 1500 Lan∣ces. After these Soldiers had remained there a Month only he disbanded them, and took off, as I believe, the 1500 thousand Livers tax which he had ordered for their maintenance.

Being returned to Tours he fell into the like Fitts of fainting as before. His Servants having vowed him to Saint Claude, he went thither on Pilgrimage, and left the General Lieutenancy of the Kingdom to Peter de Bourbon Lord of Beaujeu his Brother. Never was such a Pilgrim seen, the Countries he passed felt his Devotions, he marched accompanied with six thousand Soldiers, and did always some terrible thing or other in his way.

In this he seized Philibert Duke of Savoy and brought him into France; that young Prince dying the next year in the City of Lyons, and his brother Charles succeeding him, he declared himself his Guardian. For since the decease of Duke Ame IX. their Father, he had alwayes had a great hand in the affairs of Savoy, upon pretence that these young Princes were his Sisters Children.

[Year of our Lord 148] Happily for Italy, Mahomet being on the point to begin again the Siege of Rhodes, and to send a new Army to Otranto, dyed at Nicomedia the third of May. Now whilst* 1.122 his two Sons Bajazeth, and Zizim were contending for the Empire between themselves, the Pope and King Ferdinand took the courage to besiege Otranto, and the Turks whilst the division betwixt their Princes lasted expecting no succours, surrendred upon composition. A short while after, Zizim having been defeated twice, fled to Rhodes where expecting to find an Asylum, he fell into captivity. For the Knights for a Pension of 50000 Crowns which Bajazeth promised to pay them yearly, detained him Prisoner, and with the Kings permission sent him to the Castle of Bourgneuf in Auvergne, where he remained some years treated honourably enough. [Year of our Lord 1489]

[Year of our Lord 1481] Every thing gave apprehensions to King Lewis; he still kept his wife at distance from him, and these last years he continued her in Savoy, he bred his Son like a Captive at Amboise amongst Servants, lest he should grow too high-spirited, and alwayes took along with him the first Prince of the blood, Lewis Duke of Orleance, not suffering any to cultivate his mind by any Education. He married him this year to one of his daughters named Jane, a most wise Princess: but ugly

and Lame, and one whom the Physitians assured uncapable of bearing any Chil∣dren. Perhaps themselves had taken a course for that purpose.

[Year of our Lord 1481] A little while after his return from Saint Claude he fell again for the third time into his fits of Swooning. He caused himself to be carry'd to Clery, where he had built a Church to his good Our Lady; And there he received some relief, but which lasted not long.

[Year of our Lord 1481] The 10th of December Charles d'Anjou Count du Mayne being sick at Mar∣seilles, whereof he dyed the next day, by his Testament instituted King Lewis his universal Heir in all his lands, to enjoy the same; he and all the Kings of France, his Successors, recommending most earnestly to him to mantain Provence in it's liberty's, Perogatives & Customs.

Rene Duke of Lorraine Son of Yoland d'Anjou, reclaimed against this institution, maintaining that it could not be made to his prejudice; the King on the contrary justified it to be good, because Provence is a Country ruled by written Law, accor∣ding to which any person may dispose of his own in favour of whom he pleaseth; besides the Counts of Provence had always called the Males to their Succession to the prejudice of the daughters. Palamedes de Fourbin Sieur de Souliers, who ma∣naged the Mind of Charles made him find these reasons to be good; and for this he in recompence had the Government, or, to say better, the Soveraignty of Provence during his whole life.

[Year of our Lord 1482] When the Affairs of Mary of Burgundy began to be setled, that Princess going ahunting fell from her horse and died of it at Gaunt the 25th. of May, with the fruit wherewith her womb was pregnant. In four years she had borne three chil∣dren, Philip, Margret, and another that had but a short life. The death of Mary brought trouble and disorders afresh amongst the Flemmings; Her Husband had so little Authority because of his Covetous Poverty, amongst those people who were wont to have Princes extreamly Liberal and Magnificent; that he was forced to suffer that the Children he had by her, should remain under the guard of the Gauntois.

After a great famine which had afflicted France during the year 1481. there follo∣wed an Epidemical Sickness altogether extraordinary, which seized upon the Great as well as the Little ones. It was a continual and violent Feaver, which set the Head on fire, whereby the most part fell into Phrensies and died as it were Mad.

[Year of our Lord 1482] William de la Mark called the wild Boar of Ardenne, incited and assisted by the King, Massacred most inhumanely Lewis de Bourbon, Bishop of Liege, either in an Ambuscade, or after he had defeated him in Battle; and soon after himself being taken by the Lord de Horne brother to the Bishop successor to Lewis, had his head cut off at Mastrict.

Desquerdes had even the last year made himself Master of the Town of Air at the price of 50000 Crowns bestowed on the Governour: From this advan∣tagious Post which bridled the Flemmings, he made them incline as well by cun∣ning too as force, to treat of the Marriage of Margret Daughter of their deceased Princess with the Dauphin Charles, though she were hardly two years old, and Charles almost twelve. The Gauntois Ambassadors having seen the King at Cle∣ry, made report to their Council of the Kings intentions. He demanded for her dowry only the County of Artois; and they would needs add to it those of Burgun∣dy, of Masconnois, Auxerois and Charolois, thereby to weaken their Prince so much, that he might never be able to bring them under his Yoke.

[Year of our Lord 1482] The King was in so ill a condition that hardly could he suffer them to see him to present so advantagious a Treaty. The Daughter was to be put into his Hands about the end of this Year: but there remaining yet some difficulties to be determined, they brought her not into France till the April following, and the Wedding was celebrated at Amboise at the end of July.

[Year of our Lord 1483] Then Edward King of England, who upon the faith of the Treaty of Pequigny had ever flattered himself that the Dauphin should Marry his Daughter, and held himself so well assured that he made her be called the Dauphiness: seeing him∣self bafled by the French, and scoffed by his own Subjects as one fouly imposed upon, was so moved with shame and grief, that he died the 4th. of April, delive∣ring France from the apprehension of many mischiefs he might have done them du∣ring the Minority of Charles VIII.

He had two Sons, Edward and Richard, and five daughters Marry'd to Noblemen of

that Country. He had also had two Brothers, George Duke of Clarence, and Richard Duke of Gloucestre. You have seen how he put the first to death upon some ill grounded suspicion; Now thus the other revenged it upon his Children. Edward before his Marri∣age to her by whom he had them, had clandestinely espoused a woman who was yet living. The Bishop of Bathe who Marry'd them, reveales it to Richard, who being easily per∣suaded that Edward's Children were not Legitimate, Seized upon his two Sons, the Eldest of them being but Eleven years of age, and named Edward V. put to Death five or six of the greatest Lords, who plainly foresaw his ill intents, and then having dispatched these Two young Princes out of the World, and made their Sisters to be declared Bastards, he set the Crown upon his own Head, all Christian Princes, even Lewis XI. himself having this deed in horror.

It is pleasant to read in History what the fear of Death and of losing his Autho∣rity, made King Lewis do during the last years of his Reign; The dancing of young Lasses about his House, and the Bands of Musicians that play'd on Flageo∣lets which were brought from all parts to divert him; the Processions ordained o∣ver all the Kingdom for his Health, the publick prayers to God to hinder the blow∣ing of certain Winds which incommoded him, a great heap of Reliques which were sent for by him from all Corners, even the St. Ampoulle, or Holy Oyle, with which he seemed as if he would Arm himself against Death; the great sway his Physician James Coctier had over him, who grumbled at him as he had been his Servant, and squeezed from him 55000 Crowns and many other Boons in five Months space; the Baths of Childrens Blood, which he made use of to sweeten his sharp and pricking Humours; in fine, his voluntary Imprisoning himself in the Castle du Plessis le Tours, where none could enter but through a Wicket, the Walls thereof being Armed with Iron Spikes, and lined Day and Night with Cross-Bow-men.

Every hour he was upon the Brink of his Grave, and nevertheless he strove to persuade them that he was well, sending Embassy's to all Princes, Buying up all manner of Curiosities of Forreign Country's, and making it appear he was alive by the Bloody effects of his Vegeance, which could not die but with him.

[Year of our Lord 1482. And 83.] His greatest hope was in a Holy Hermit called Francis Martotile a Native of Calabria, Founder of the Order of Minimes, whom he caused expresly to come into France, upon the Fame of those wonders God had wrought by his Ministery. He Flattered him, Implored him, fell on his Knees to him; He Built too Covents for his Order, the first within the Park de Plessis les Tours, the second at the Foot of the Castle de Amboise, that he might prolong his days: But this good Man in answer talked to him of God, and Exhorted him to think more of the other Life then this.

Feeling himself grow weaker every day, he sent for his Son from Amboise, gave him excellent Counsel, exhorting him to be Governed by the Advice of the Princes of the Blood, the Lords and other Notable Persons; not to change his Officers after his Death; to ease his Subjects, and reduce the Leveys of Moneys to the Ancient orders of the Kingdom, which was to raise none but by consent of the People. He had encreased the Taxes to 4700000 Livers, a Sum so excessive in [☞] those days, that the People were miserably over-burthened.

He died in fine the 29th Day of August, and accordingly as he had ordained was Interred at Nostre-Dame de Clery for which he had a particular Devotion. The Course of Life had lasted Sixty one years compleat, his Reign 22 years and one Month.

Comines describes him to us as very wise in adversity, very able to penetrate into the Interests and thoughts of men, and to allure them and turn them to his ends; infinitely suspicious and jealous of his power, most absolute in his will, who pardoned not, mightily oppressed his Subjects, and yet withal this, the best of Princes in his time.

He had caused above 4000 people to be put to Death by divers cruel Torments, and sometimes pleased himself in being a Spectator. The most part were Executed without Form of Process or Trial, many Drôwn'd with a Stone about their Necks, others precipitated passing over a turning Plank, whence they fell upon Wheels armed with Spikes and sharp Hooks, others stifled in Dungeons; Tristan his Creature and the Provost of his House being alone both Judge, Witness, and Executioner.

Besides his Devotion, at least in appearance, his persuasive and attracting Elo∣quence, his Marvellous craft in setting his Enemies at variance with one another, and unravelling their quarrels again, his Liberality in recompencing the Services done for him when they hit his fancy: we must not deny two things worthy of praise in him at the Latter end of his days; one that he would not suffer an Am∣bassador which Sultan Bajazet sent to him, to come nearer then Marseilles, not be∣lieving one could be a Christian and have Communication with the Enemies of Jesus Christ; the other that he had undertaken to reduce all the Weights and Measures to one Standard, and to set up a General Custom in all the Provinces of the Kingdom.

I will add a Third, that he resolved and intended that exact Justice should be dealt to all particular People. He Instituted two Parliaments, that of Bourdeaux, which had been promised by Charles VII. and that of Burgundy. The Letters Patents for the first are Dated the 7th of June 1462. that of the second the 18th of March 1476.

If he suffered not his Son to be brought up to good Learning, it was because he apprehended to make him too knowing, or hurt his delicate and tender Complexi∣on by the Labour of Study. It was not that he despised it, or was altogether ig∣norant of it, as some have believed, since Comines says, That he was well enough Read, that he had had another sort of breeding, then the Lords of that Kingdom, and that according to Gaguin, he understood Books, and had more Erudition then Kings were wont to have. Add, that he much encreased the Royal Library which Charles V. had begun at Fountainbleau, and which was transferr'd to the Louvre by Charles VI. That he kindly received and favoured those Learned Men who had made their escape from Greece after the taking of Constantinople; That he took delight in alluring some out of Forreign Country's with great Presents, amongst others the Famous Galeotus Martius; And that he gave himself the Trouble to compleat the refor∣mation of the University of Paris by the care of John Boccard Bishop d'Auranches, and a Cordelier named Wesel Gransfort a Native of Groningue. Besides it is certain that the Kings of France, and particularly those of the third Race, have all been in∣structed in good Learning and loved it, excepting Philip de Valois.

He married two Wives, to wit, Margret Daughter of James I. King of Scotland Anno 1436. being Aged but 14 years, and then Anno 1451. Charlotte Daughter of Lewis Duke of Savoy. The first he loved not much by reason of some secret imperfection, neither had he any Children by her. She died in the year 1445. He would have visited the Second as little, had it not been for the desire of having an Heir; he had three Sons by her; of which Charles only Survived him who Reigned, (divers even suspecting that this had been suppos'd) and three Daughters, Lowise, Anne and Jane; Lowise died young, Anne was wife to Peter de Bourbon Lord of Beaujeu, and as for Jane, the Father constrained Lewis Duke of Orleance to Espouse her, and to Consummate the Marriage, whereof he made his secret Protestations.

CHARLES VIII.

Called The AFFABLE, AND THE COURTEOUS, King LV.

Aged XIII. Years, II. Months.

POPES,

• SIXTUS IV. one year under this Reign.
• INOCENT VIII. Elected the 29 ^th of August 1484. S. Eleven years wanting one Month.
• ALEXANDER VI. Elected the 25th of August 1493. S. II. years and some days, whe reof five years under this Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1483] THe Deceased King had by his last Will left the Government to the Dame de Beaujeu his Daughter, without mentioning the Regency, be∣cause his Son was entring into his fourteenth year. Two Princes of the Blood, Lewis Duke of Orleans, and John II. Duke of Bourbon, dispu∣ted it with her, and maintained that King Charles ought to be counted a Minor, seeing the weakness of his Complexion, and his not being well Educa∣ted, his Father haing always kept him shut up in the Castle of Amboise, bred a∣mongst inferior Servants. Lewis pretended to it as first Prince of the Blood, but himself was not yet come to Majority; and the Duke of Bourbon, as having mar∣ried the Kings Aunt, and esteeming himself more worthy and proper for it then a Woman, who in France were not thought capable to Govern, since they were not held fit to Reign. The three Competitors not able to agree whose right it was, referred the contest to the General Estates, and the Kings Coronation to the following year.

[Year of our Lord 1483] In the interim a Council of fifteeen was chosen, whereofso m were put in by

one Prince, some by another: but they were all such as belonged to the former Court, and bred up to ill Maxims, who having learned nought but what was indeed Evil, could produce nothing that was really good.

[Year of our Lord 1484] In the Month of January the Estates Assembled at Tours. The King attended by the Princes of his Blood, and all that were Eminent in the Kingdom went thither, William de Rochefort his Chancellor open'd it the fourteenth of the Month in the great Hall belonging to the Arch-Bishop. It was there ordained that the King, since he had attained the Age of fourteen, should be reputed Major; That he should preside in the Council, the Duke of Orleans in his absence, and in case he failed the Duke of Bourbon. That the Dame de Beaujeu should have the Govern∣ment of the young King, for whom a Council of Twelve persons should be cho∣sen, consisting of Princes of the Blood, and others of the most considerable in the Nation. In the mean time the Constables Sword was given to the Duke of Bour∣bon; Governments and Pensions bestowed upon the Duke of Orleans and the rest of the Princes.

Never had they so fair an opportunity to rectify abuses, and raise up strong Bul∣warks against all oppression. But the President of the Estates, many Ecclesiasticks, the Deputies of the City of Paris, and some others suffered themselves to be de∣luded, Sailed and Steered by the Court-gale and Compass, and betray'd the publick cause. They could not however hinder them from annulling most of the Acts made by Lewis XI. from exclaiming against his excessive gifts, from setting a Brand-mark upon the memory of those that had been the Executors of his injus∣tice, nor from discharging the People of a great part of their Taxes and Soldiers Quarter'd upon them.

[Year of our Lord 1482] This meeting of the Estates being over, the Attorney General of the Parliament, upon certain Accusations, made process against two of the most Rascally Insolent Ministers of the late Kings. These were Oliver* 1.123 le Diable, Barber to Lewis XI. and John Doyac. This Oliver had changed his Surname very suitable to his behaviour, into that of Daim, and bare the Title of Earl of Meulanc. Doyac was a Fellow of the same stamp, and yet his Master had made him Gover∣nor of Auvergne. The first was trussed up on the Gallows, the second lost his Ears, and was Whip'd first at Paris, then at Montferrand in Auvergne, the place of his Nativity. There were perhaps others more Guilty, but there were none more odious; and besides they had spoken ill of the Princes. Doyac having secur'd his money, regained his Credit upon the Expedition into Italy, having been very ser∣viceable in contriving to convey the great Guns over the Hills.

[Year of our Lord 1484] Francis II. Duke of Bretagne had one about him of the very same Mettal, as im∣pudent, and much more wicked yet then these; but withal more crafty and able, Peter Landais a Taylors Son of the Suburbs of Vitre. He governed his Prince a∣bove fifteen years, and had raised up People of his own Quality, and some of his Kindred to places of Trust, amongst others the Guibez Sons of his Sister, for which cause the Lords did much envy him. But this was only whisper'd from one to another all the time the Duke was in Health and Vigour, but when his Senses began to grow weak and fail him, it proceeded to Intrigues, and then to Factions to ruin him; Especially when he went about to support himself by Crimes, and had cruelly suffered the Chancellor John Chauvelin, and James de Lespenay Bishop of Renes to be starved in Prison.

It happened therefore that in the time they were holding the Estates at Tours, the Lords of the Country assumed the confidence to try to force him away from the Duke: but having missed their enterprize, he let loose all the Authority of his Prince against them, and reduced them to the troublesome necessity of defend∣ing themselves. The Duke of Orleans who was then at Tours, having a design in his Head of acquiring Bretagne by marrying the Dukes Eldest Daughter, goes [Year of our Lord 1484] down into that Country to proffer this Fellow his assistance, persuading himself that by obliging him in this manner, he might help him to that great Match. The Lords would willingly have taken shelter under the Protection of this young Prince, in whom appeared many signs of Probity and Honour: But Landais ha∣ving [Year of our Lord 1484] fore-stalled them, they made their Addresses to the Dame de Beaujeu his E∣nemy, who presently espoused their cause. This fire lying hid for some years un∣der its ashes, did at last break forth to the ruin of Bretagne.

[Year of our Lord 1484] The 5th day of June King Charles was Crowned at Reims with the accustomed Ceremonies and Magnificence.

Being returned to Paris, the Duke of Bretagne sent a complaint to him for ha∣ving

supported the Rebellion of his Subjects. The Dame, according to her Father's wonted Method, in stead of returning him an answer, Debauched his Ambassa∣dors from his Service; These were the Lord D'Ʋrfe whom she made Grand Escuyer, and Poncet de la Riviere on whom she bestowed the Mayoralty of Bour∣deaux.

[Year of our Lord 1484] The Cardinal de Balue after his being set at Liberty, went to Rome, and as that Court is a Region of perpetual Intrigues, he Succeeded so happily therein that in short time be got great Credit and some good Benefices. He moreover prevailed with the Pope so far, that after the Death of Lewis XI. he sent him into France as Legat à Latere. He made his entrance with so much arrogance that he made use of his faculties before ever he had the Kings consent, or had presented them in Parliament to be examined whether they contained nothing contrary to the Rights of the Crown, and the Liberties of the Gallican Church.

The Parliament offended at this bold undertaking forbid him to take upon him the Cha∣racters of his Legation; or to exercise the power: Notwithstanding the Kings Council, after he had shewed his reasons, and made his necessary Submissions, gave order he should be received in that Quality with the usual Respect and Honour, and that he should exer∣cise his Functions. Which he did for some days, when hearing news of the Death of Sixtus, he returned on his way to Rome, with a Present only of a Thousand Crowns in Gold, which the King gave him towards defraying the Expences of his Journey.

[Year of our Lord 1484] The Council Establish'd by the Estates had neither Power nor Vertue, the Dame de Beaujeu usurped all the Authority. She turned out all those from the Kings Service as were not at her Dvotion, and brought in d'Ʋrfe, Riviere and Graville prime Chamberlain, who watched, and as it were beleaguer'd the young King. These Folk wanting some brave daring Heroe to oppose the Duke of Or∣leans, did likewise keep Rene the Duke of Lorrain at Court, to whom they re∣stored the Dutchy of Bar, till such time as the King should be of Age, to do him right for the County of Provence, assigned him a Pension of 36 Thousand Livers per Annum, and a company of an Hundred Lances.

During these disorders in France, the Scene was wholly changed in England. Henry Earl of Richmond, after the Battel in the year 1471 where Henry VI. Lost his Crown and Liberty, endeavouring to make his escape into France, was by Tempest thrown upon the Coasts of Bretagne, where the Duke Seized on him and detained him Prisoner in favour of Edward, or rather to engage that King to protect him always against Lewis XI. And indeed Edward never forsook him; whatever advantage Lewis could pro∣pound to him, and which was more, paid him fifty Thousand Crowns yearly for his Pension.

When Edward Died he gave him his full Liberty, and withal assisted him with Money and six Thousand Men, wherewith he put to Sea, having a Strong Faction in England, whereof the Earl of Buckingham was Head. Now it happened that a Storm having scattered his Ships, the Confederacy was discover'd and Buckingham Beheaded with most of the great men who were concerned in it; So that he returned and Landed in Normandy, and from thence got back into Bretagne, waiting for a better oppor∣tunity.

King Richard desiring to have him at what price soever, profer'd Landays so much Money, and such considerable assistance in time of need, against the Breton Lords, that this Perfidious and Mercinary Soul, promised to deliver him up to his People. The Earls Friends in England got a hint of this bargain, and gave him Notice, at the very nick of time when it was to be put in execution. He immediately departs from Van∣nes under pretence of going to wait upon the Duke who was at Renes, then striking into another Road, made his escape with four more to Angers. He was so closely pursued by Lan∣days Men, that he slipt thorough the passage but one hour before they came to the place.

The King was then at Langeais who received him very kindly. And a great num∣ber of English Landing every Day in the Ports of France to joyn with him, he gave him some broken Companies that were in Normandy, with which he adventured over into England.

In fine having gained the Victory over Richard who was slain in the Field, be ascended the Throne, which he pretended did belong of Right to him, as being the Eldest of the House of Lancaster. He was indeed of that Family, but at a remote distance, as being

but the Son of a Daughter of the Duke of Somerset's and of Edmond who was Son of Owen Tudor a Gentleman of Wales and Catherine of France, who after the Death of King Henry V. her Husband, was clandestinely Married to him.

[Year of our Lord 1485] The Duke of Orleans, the Duke of Bourbon likewise to whom the Constables Sword without any power, was more an injury or burthen then an Honour, made a new party against the Government. The Duke of Bretagne, Charles Earl of Angoulesme, the Duke of Alenson and John de Chaalon Prince of Orenge who was Son of a Sister of the Duke of Bretagne entred into it: Charles Earl of Dunois was the primum mobile.

The Duke of Orleans was the first that spoke, and being retired to Beaugency demanded an Assembly of the Estates. They immediately carried the King thi∣ther. He besieged him in the place, and forced him to an accomodation, wherein it was agreed that the Earl of Dunois should retire to* 1.124 Ast in Piedmont. After that they got the King to March against the Duke of Bourbon, who finding him on a sudden in the midst of his Country, accepted of such conditions as they would im∣pose.

[Year of our Lord 1485] The Soldiers they had Levied for these ends, fell most of them into Bretagne. The Duke of Orleans having sent all his thither for the Dukes Service, the Dame sent the Kings thither also in behalf of the Lords. Landays prompted as we may believe by his wicked Genius, pursued the utter Destruction of the Lords with all his might, and would not recede in the least from the Sentence he had obtained that they should lose both their Castles and their Heads.

He had raised a great Army for this purpose, who had Ordersto Besiege Ancenis a place belonging to the Mareschal de Riux; The Lords had taken the Field to pre∣vent it. The Armies being in sight of each other, some good minded People, made the Chief Commanders of the Dukes Army so Sensible, how heighnous it would be in them to spill the Heart Blood of their own Friends and Kindred, for the sake of the most profligate wretch in the whole World, that they embraced each other mutually, and agreed to joyn their Supplications to the Duke, that he would be pleased to Establish a Council made up of the Princes of his own House, together with the Lords of the Country for the Administration of his Affairs.

Landays having intelligence of this, was possessed with such fury, that he caused a Patent to be drawn in the Dukes name, which declared all the Commanders of his Army, which had entred into that capitulation with the Rebels, Criminals de Lesae Majestatis, and their Estates consiscate. The Chancellor (his name was Francis Christian) refused to Seal it, notwithstanding the Dukes reiterated order; But on the contrary being Summoned by the Lords to bring Landays to Justice he took several informations, upon which a Decree was made to take the Body of Landays.

[Year of our Lord 1485] The Lords of the Dukes Council held private correspondence to ruin this Fel∣low. One day therefore, the People of Nantes excited by some Emissary's and their own hatred towards him, got in throngs into the Castle, crying out for Jus∣stice upon Landays, and at the same time the Chancellor was compell'd by the Lords to wait upon the Duke, and beseech him to give leave that he might be ar∣rested, and brought to his Trial. The Duke to avoid greater danger, took the miserable wretch by the Hand, who had secur'd himself in his Chamber, and de∣livered him up to the Chancellor, expresly commanding him they should not touch his Life, for he granted him pardon for whatever Crime they might convict him of: But as that Prince was weak, they had no regard to his injunction. They made quick dispatch with Landays, the Gibbet was the last step his Ambitious Pride raised him to. Being found guilty of Concussions, Depredations, Murthers and other Crimes, he was Hanged at Nantes the 18th Day of July.

[Year of our Lord 1486] The following year Maximilian was Elected King of the Romans, at Francfort the one and Twentieth of February, and Crowned at Aix la Chapelle with Char∣lemains Crown the 12th of April. He had surprized the City of Terouenne, for which cause the Mareschal D'Esquerdes made a rude War upon him. He pressed him so hard that he was forced to write to all those Cities in the Kingdom as had obliged themselves for Guaranty of the Treaty he had made with the King, com∣plaining of this injustice done him by that Lord and the Dame de Beaujeu in the name of the King. The Letter was brought by one of his Heralds, whom the King being then at Beauvais caused to be Guarded in his Journey; It was Read in

the Town-Hall of Paris, but he received no other answer then what it pleased those about the King to dictate.

He was as little successful in the Cavalcade he made thinking to surprize Guise, which Garrison did infinitely molest the Country of Hainault. Having furnished Terouenne, with provisions, he came into Cambresis: But the Mareschals Desquerdes and Guy still pursuing him, and Poverty pinching him yet more then his Enemies, he durst not undertake any thing. Every thing failing him his Germans Dis∣banded, and he retired to Melines where he caused his Son to be kept and Educated.

[Year of our Lord 1486] One cannot conceive a greater grief then what the Duke of Bretagne felt for the loss of his Landays: nevertheless he was forced to contain himself, and grant an Abolition or Indemnity to all the Lords for fear of intailing a Cruel and Bloody War upon his Country: but all that precaution would not serve turn. The time was come to put a Period to that Estate, and I know not what fatallity hurried them to it by unavoidable accidents. The Dame de Beaujeu being informed that the Duke of Orleans was forging some design against her, made him to be command∣ed to come to Court; he came upon the second Summons he received: but the next Day being the 5th of January, he went into the Country, upon pretence of Hawking, and took his flight into Bretagne.

The good reception he met with from the Duke, the power he gave him there, and the strict knot of Friendship he tied with Guibe one of the Nephews of the Deceased Landays who commanded the greater part of the Dukes Gendarmerie, gave both suspition and fear to the Breton Lords. The Kings Council knowing their apprehensions, offer'd them all assistance imaginable to help them drive out both the Duke of Orleans and the rest of the French from their Country of Bretagne.

The wisest amongst them were not for Engaging so great a power in their quarrel as would sooner or later swallow up all if called in: But the rest imagining they could easily Limit and Curb them by Articles of Agreement: This opinion carried it, they made a League with the King upon these conditions; That he should bring into the Country no more then four hundred Lances, and four thou∣sand [Year of our Lord 1486] Foot; That he should recall them as soon as ever the Duke of Orleans and his partisans should quit the Country: That he should neither take nor Besiege any place without the consent of the Mareschal de Rieux, nor should lay any claim or pretence to the Dutchy.

Whatever was in the Treaty expressed, yet the Kings Council were persuaded that Bretagne appertained to him, by vertue of a Cession which the Heirs of Pon∣tieure had made to Lewis XI. Nay, even some Bretons who loved to swim in deep and large Waters, and hoped to find fairer fortunes in the Court of France, con∣firmed them in this opinion; And it was for this design they led the King to the Borders of that Country.

[Year of our Lord 1486] Whilst he was at Amboise he had private notice that the Count de Dunois was returned from Ast notwithstanding his commands to the contrary, had got to Partenay in Poiton, which he Fortified; that being there he was making a League for the Duke of Orleans, and that he had drawn in the Earl of Angoulesme, the Duke of Lorrain, the Lords de Ponts and de Albret. He cajoled these two last with the hopes that they should marry the Duke of Bretagne's eldest Daughter, and the Duke of Lorrain was tyred with the put off's they had so long used to∣wards him concerning the Succession of the House of Anjou.

[Year of our Lord 1487. in January.] Those friends the Duke of Orleans had left at Court, plotted together to car∣ry away the King, who would have warranted them, and as they said, had intreat∣ed them to do it, being quite wearied and distasted with the imperious Govern∣ment of his Sister: This would have ended the Quarrel to the Dukes advantage: but the contrivance having taken Air by a Valet, the Bishops of Periguex and Montauban (these were Gefroy de Pampadour, and George d'Amboise Comines and some others who had the management of it were Arrested.

Comines having been a Prisoner near three years (of which time he was shut up eight whole Months in an Iron Cage) was condemned by Sentence of the Court of Parliament, to lose the fourth part of his Estate, and to remain a Prisoner for ten years, in one of his Houses. The Bishops were set at Liberty, at two years end by the intercession of the Legat.

At the same time the Earl of Angoulesme, and the Lord de Ponts made Guyenne to rise, where Odet-Daydie Brother of Odet Earl of Cominges, held Saintes, Fron∣sac,

la Reoule, Dags and Bayonne, and the Duke of Orleans Levied Forces in Bre∣tagne. The Towns in Guyenne surrendred at the first sight, and naming of the King; the Lord d'Albret had got some Men together to assist them, but he durst not appear. The King having made his entrance into Bourdeaux the Seventh of March, returned to Poitiers; Partenay capitulated as soon as they were Sum∣mon'd. That done he divided his Army into four, who fell upon Bretagne in as many several Quarters, and himself in the mean time remained at Laval to see what progress they could make.

[Year of our Lord 1487] Upon the arrival of these Forces three times more numerous then was agreed to by the Treaty, the Duke withdrew into the Center of his Country. During this astonishment of the People and the division amongst the Nobility they took from him Ploetmel, Vannes and Dinan; and then it was that the Lords too late perceived the error they had committed in bringing them into their Country.

After this they laid Siege to Nantes. The Duke was in the place with all the Soldiers he had left him, and had dispatched the Count de Dunois to the King of England to crave assistance. This Count being twice or thrice forced back by tem∣pestuous weather, Armed the common People of the Lower Bretagne, the number of them amounting to above Sixty Thousand Men, and was so fortunate that with this confused multitude he terrified the French, and put a Relief into the Town, which afterwards valued not the Siege; about six Weeks after they were wholly delivered from them.

The Lord d'Albret had likewise raised three or four Thousand men to aid the Breton, whose eldest Daughter they had promised him. But the Lords of the Royal Party block'd him up so closely in his Castle of Nontron upon the confines of Limosin, that he was fain to capitulate and Disband his Forces. The King con∣ceiving he had absolutely gained him to his Service, gave him a Company of an hundred Lances.

[Year of our Lord 1487] During these Transactions Desquerdes by correspondence surprized the Cities of St. Omer and Terouenne, and defeated the Forces of Philip de Cleves Ravestein, whom they had drawn thither by a pretended bargain for the City of Bethune; the Duke of Cleves and the Count de Nassaw fighting on Foot were taken Prisoners. In the foregoing Month of March, the Lord de Montigny Brother of Count Horn the bravest of his Captains, thinking to take Guise by assault was wounded with a Pike in the Suburbs, of which he Died in a few days.

[Year of our Lord 1487] The City of Ghent had declared themselves Capital Enemies to Maximilian, because he had taken his Son from them and removed him to Malines; By their example Bruges, and most of the Towns in Flanders rose up against him, because he burthened them too frequently with his exactions.

[Year of our Lord 1487] In the Month of July of this year 1487. Charlota Queen of Cyprus, Widdow of Lewis of Savoy who was Son of Lewis and Brother of Ame IX. Dukes of Savoy, ended her miseries with her Life at Rome, where she had subsisted twelve years on the Bounty of the Popes. She was Daughter and Heiress of John II. King of Cyprus; after whose Death her Husband and her self enjoy'd that Kingdom three years: but his Bastard James drove them out thence with the help of Melec-Ella Sultan of Egypt, to whom this Crown was Tributary. All the endeavours they could use to regain it proved vain and unsuccessful. Lewis Died the first in the year 1482. Charlota retired to Rome. After her Death the right to that Crown fell to Charles II. Duke of Savoy, her Cousin, and so passed to all his descendants, not only because she Adopted him and made him a Donation of her Kingdom, but because he also was her next of Kindred and Heir, being the Son of Anne of Cyprus Daughter of King Janus or John I. But Catharine Cornaro a Venetian, Widdow of the Bastard who Died in the year 1473. had given and resigned that Kingdom, by what Tittle I do not know, to the Seigneury of Venice; The Great Turk wrested it out of their possession in the year 1557.

[Year of our Lord 1488] The disorders were so great in Flanders that on the second of February Maxi∣milian, being at Bruges the Inhabitants ran to their Arms, made him Prisoner, and put divers of his Creatures to Death. The Pope Excommunicated the muti∣neers: but the Kings Attorney General stood up against it, maintaining that the Flemmings had no other Soveraign but the King who owned them in what they had done.

Neither the threats, nor Forces of the Emperor Frederic did avail for the deli∣very of his Son: they had resolved to give him up to the King of France: when they were just upon the point to do it, this poor Princes Tears, and the Solemn Oaths himself made to them, and which were confirmed by several Lords, that he would forget all their injuries, did at last subdue the fury of the Brugois, so that they set him at Liberty. When he was out of their hands he retired into Ger∣many to his Father, and left the Government of his Son Philip and his Lands to Albert Duke of Saxony.

The Emperor Frederic desiring to render him more fit to take in second marriage one of the Daughters of Ferdinand and Isabella, who had interceeded for his Liberty at Bruges, dignified Austria with the Title of Arch-Dutchy, which till then was a Stranger and un∣known in the Western parts.

[Year of our Lord 1488] Besides the Force of Arms, they proceeded by way of Justice against the Prin∣ces that were Leagued with the Breton. In the Month of February the King sit∣ting in Parliament ordered a Summons for the Duke of Bretagne and the Duke of Orleans, to appear at the Table to Marbre. Which was sent by the Provost of Paris, accompany'd with a Counsellor of that Court, and the Prime Usher, and all ad∣vantages of defaults were taken against them.

The Mareschal de Rieux and some Barons of Bretagne, finding he went much farther then the terms of the Treaty did allow, Petitioned him not to go on, and profer'd to send the Duke of Orleans out of the Country together with all the French belonging to him, who in effect shewed themselves willing to lay down their Arms and retire to their own dwellings, provided they might be left in Peace. The Dame thinking she was now above all danger, imprudently replied that the King would have no Rival or Equal; that he would not stop there, but proceed to the end of his enterprize.

This discourse laying his intentions clearly open, they took another resolution and reconciled themselves with their Duke, who gave them an Instrument of Ob∣livion or Abolition the Twentieth of June. The Mareschal de Rieux decla∣ring openly for him, received some of his men into Ancenis, and took upon him the command of the Army: as for Rohan and Quintin his Brother, they adhe∣red to the Royalists. The Lord de Laval was not suffered to remain Neuter as he would fain have done: they forced him to deliver up Vitre to the King; Dole was taken and sacked.

The Duke of Bretagne's affairs had a good aspect for those two or three Months that the King was at Paris. Rieux regained Vannes, d'Albret brought him a Thou∣sand Horse, and the King of England sent him some Foot. In retaliation the Kings Army commanded by la Trimoville taking the Field in the Month of April, took Chasteau-Briand and razed it, gained Ancenis, then Besieged Fougeres, a Rich place and of great importance, which surrendred, and after that St Aubin du Cormier.

The French and Bretons Forces Leagued together, joyned in one Body to go to the relief of Fougeres contrary to the wise Counsel of the Mareschal de Rieux. Being on their March they were informed the place had Capitulated, and Saint Aubin du Cormier likewise; The Kings Army commanded by la Trimoville, appre∣hending they would go and retake St. Aubin, marched up to them. The Battel was fought near the Burrough of Orange, between Renes and St. Aubin, the 28th [Year of our Lord 1488] of July. La Trimoville obtained the Victory, the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Orange, who alighted and fought for the Bretons, were made Prisoners, six Thousand of their Men being slain.

[Year of our Lord 1488] The Dame de Beaujeu did soon after set the Prince of Orange at Liberty, he ha∣ving Married her Husbands Sister, and made him Lieutenant for the King in Bre∣tagne: But she kept the Duke of Orleans with great care, in the Castle of Lusig∣nan, and afterwards in the great Tower at Bourges.

Some days before this Battel, there had been another fought in the Air: Great Flocks of Jays, and multitudes of Pies grappled so furiously with their Bekes and Claws, against each other, that a Vast deal of ground was quite coverd with their Dead Carcasses.

The fidelity of the Breton Lords was sorely shaken by this rude Shock. The Vicount de Rohan encouraged to declare the pretensions he had to the Dutchy,

as being the Son of Mary, Sister, and as he alledged, partly Heiress of Duke Francis I. caused Dinan and St. Malo's to fall into the Kings hands; this last place was plundred. But Renes very couragiously told the Herald that came to Summon them, That they would sooner chuse to be nothing, then to be unfaith∣ful.

The Duke thus ill handled by the blind Baggage Fortune, was advised to en∣deavour an accommodation with the King. To effect this he sent the Count de Dunois, and wrote to him with that submission not usual from the Dukes of Bre∣tagne. The King had great pretension to that Dutchy, and demanded the Noble Guardianship of the Daughters; they agreed upon Arbitrators to judge the right of it: But in the mean while he consented to a Peace with the Duke upon condi∣tion he should not marry them without his leave; that he should renounce all Foreign Leagues and Alliances; and should let him keep those places he had Con∣quer'd in that Country. The Treaty was agreed in the Castle of Vergy in Anjou where the King was at that time, and Signed at Coiron by the Duke.

Soon after the Duke grown very old, overwhelmed with Sorrow, and hurt with a fall from his Horse, died at Nantes the 9th day of September, having Reign∣ed two and Thirty years. By his Will he appointed the Mareschal de Rieux Guardian to his Daughters, with whom he joyned Odet-Daydie Earl of Cominges his Gossip and Intimate Friend, and allotted Frances de Dinan Dame of Chas∣teau-Briand to be their Governess. They were two, Anne and Isabeau; the lat∣ter Died about two years after. At this time they retired to the City named Guerrande.

[Year of our Lord 1488] The Duke of Lorrain after the Death of the Breton, reconciled himself to the Court upon hopes of obtaining some assistance towards recovery of the Kingdom of Naples. Opportunity presented it self very fairly, most of the Barons of that Country being revolted against King Ferdinand by reason of his Tyrannies, and invited Rene to come and take possession of that Crown. His Holyness Pope Innocent VIII. did favour him, whose Galleys with Julian de la Ro∣vere Cardinal of St. Peters, waited for him a long time in the Port of Genoa, and the French Nobless shewed a great deal of eagerness to follow him. But those that Governed the King thwarted this Prince as much as they possibly could, as envying him the Glory of this Conquest. So that making too long delay, the Pope makes an agreement with Ferdinand, and such as had faln off cast them∣selves upon his Mercy, which did but ill Succeed with them; for he made them all Prisoners, and Alphonso his Son coming to the Crown, commanded their Throats to be cut. The Prince of Salerno wiser then the rest, would not trust to it, but retired to Venice, resolving to seek out some abler Protector. The Lorrianer withdrew into his own Country greatly confounded and ashamed, and much sunk in his Reputation.

The Bretons being somewhat at their ease on the French-side, were embroiled amongst themselves about the Marriage of their Dutchess Anne. The Mareschal was obstinately bent to have her married to the Lord d'Albret to whom the Fa∣ther had promised it in Writing: But Montauban her Chancellor and the Earl de Cominges thought it too inconsiderable a Match, and too weak to restore the Af∣fairs of that Dutchy, being ruined himself, the King having Seized on all his Towns in Gascongny; and besides the Princess had no manner of inclination for him; So that as soon as ever she had attained the Age of puberty, she made her protestations against that promise, which were declared to him perso∣nally.

The Count de Dunois opposed it as much as they; but for another end; He aimed to have her Married to the Duke of Orleans, whereas the rest designed her for the Arch-Duke Maximillian. Their Disputes grew so high, it had like to have come to blows. The Dutchess got out of the Mareschals hands being assist∣ed by her Chancellor and the Count de Dunois. The Mareschal way-laid her, thinking to stop the journey: but his respect made him desist, and leave her, her presence having disarmed him.

Fearing to be Besieged in Redon by the French, she would needs retire to Nan∣tes: the Lord d'Albret and the Mareschal refused to admit her, but only with her Family-attendance: upon this refusal she goes to Renes, where the Inhabi∣tants made her a Solemn reception. Thus there were two Parties Cantonized, the one at Renes with the Dutchess, the other at Nantes with the Mareschal, who was her Guardian, and Authorized by the Orders of the defunct Duke.

During these Garboils, the King seizes upon the Ports of Brest and Conquet; and it was put to the question in the King's Council, whether he should compleat the Conquest of that Country by force of Arms. The Courtiers did all advise and desire it, the Chancellor Rochefort alone disswaded them, representing that a Most Christian King ought not to measure his Conquests by his Sword, but his Justice; That it were most shameful to dispoil a Pupil, one that was innocent, of his Kindred, and his own Vassal in that Dutchy, which he might have by Marriage, a much more honest and more easy Method to obtain his desired ends. This remonstrance and perhaps the Arrival of six thousand English, with whom she garrison'd her Towns, put a stop to their present acting, to the great regret of the Dame de Beaujeu who had already got a Grant of the County of Nantes.

[Year of our Lord 1489] Innocent VIII. Successor to Sixtus IV. whether out of a design to make a Holy War against the Turks, or perhaps to draw a good Pension from Bajazeth, obtained of the King's Council, that Prince Zizim should be put into his Hands, upon a condition he should not send him out of Rome, but should always have him guarded by some Knights of Rhodes. Peter Vaubusson Grand Master of the Or∣der, had a Cardinals Cap for managing this Affair. For some time after the King had delivered him up to the Popes Agents, came an Embassy from Sultan Baja∣zeth to demand him, offering in exchange all the Relicks that were at Constantino∣ple, to recover the Holy Land at his own Expences, and to pay him a very great Pension.

[Year of our Lord 1490] As for the Affairs of Bretagne, upon divers Ruptures there were divers Nego∣tiations. There had been some French and Breton Arbitrators appointed: but they being thought too much interested or dependent, it was judged fitter to make choice of two that were not so; and to this purpose the King and the Dutchess agreed upon Maximilian of Austria, and the Duke of Bourbon, a Prince of great Integrity, and withal no great Friend to the Dame de Beaujeu. The Deputies of both Parties being met at Francfort, it was agreed by Provision, that the King should restore all the Places to the Dutchess, excepting Saint Aubin, Dinan, Fougeres, and Saint Malo, which were to be put under Sequestration in∣to the Hands of the two Arbitrators, who should surrender them up to those, to whom the Dutchy should be adjudged to belong of Right; That in the mean time they should put out all the Soldiers both French and English: That the two Parties should produce their Titles before certain Lawyers appointed to examine them in Avignon; and that the Deputies should meet again at Tournay the five and twentieth of March following, to hear the definitive Sentence, which should then be given by the Arbitrators.

In the midst of all these Goings and Comings, there was another secret Treaty carrying on, of which the King's Council had not the least suspicion, which was the Marriage of Maximilian with the Dutchess, and this was so far advan∣ced that in the Year 1489. this Dutchess married him by his Proxy▪ who was the Earl of Nassaw.

The thing was kept secret a long time; and yet nothing of what they agreed on at Francfort was put in Execution: So that the King, whether he had dis∣covered the Marriage, or was tyred at the tedious delay of the Arbitration, took up Arms again, and caused his Forces to March to besiege the Dutchess in Re∣nes: but they were countermanded for what Reasons I know not.

[Year of our Lord 1491] In vain the Princess presses for Assistance from England and Germany, she had but very weak returns. Maximilian a Poor and a Cold Lover, did not bestir himself as he should have done for so fair a Mistriss, he never furnish'd her with above two thousand Men. In the mean time Bretagne was invaded on all Hands by the French; and the Lord d'Albret enraged to see himself supplanted by a German, gave them up the City of Nantes, upon condition of some compensation promised him for those Pretensions he had to the Dutchy; This claim was de∣rived from his Wife Frances of Bretagne Daughter of William Vicount of Limoges, youngest Son of the House of Pontieure.

During these Disorders, nothing could be more facile then for the King to have taken away the Dutchess by force: However he was advised to try Maxi∣milian's way, rather then force, and to Marry the Princess, and so gain her by composition: Of an Enemy therefore he became her Lover, and sought to win her by Courtship and Allurements: but she was haughty in her Misfortune, she could not resolve to break her Faith, nor bestow her Heart upon a Prince that

had treated her so ill, and who had too much Power not to violate, in a short time, the Laws and Liberties of Bretagne.

The Duke of Orleans had acquired a great deal of Credit with her, the King desiring to make use of him to conquer her high Spirit, and besides being per∣swaded thereto by some of the Gentlemen of his Chamber, goes one Day and takes him out of the Tower at Bourges without consulting the Dame de Beaujeu, who had kept him Prisoner two Years and some Months. This Duke by the Mouth of the Count de Dunois, and with the help of Prince of Orange, and the Mareschal de Rieux, who was reconciled to the Dutchess, omitted no Court∣ship, nor Reasons of State to perswade her in favour of the King. She resisted for a while, but in fine the great negligence of Maximilian, and he pressing nece∣ssities added such force to their Arguments and Reasons, that she yielded, and with a Sigh gave her self up a Sacrifice for the Safety of her Country.

[Year of our Lord 1491] Wherefore after the deliberation of the Estates of Bretagne, the Contract of Marriage was perfected at Langeais in Touraine the sixteenth of December, and the Nuptials consummated the same Day. By the Contract either of the Parties, in case of Death, did reciprocally yeild up all the Rights each of them had to the Dutchy; and the King made a Separate Treaty with the Estates of that Country for the Preservation of their Laws and their Priviledges.

Some time before this Marriage was spoken of, the great Authority of the Dame de Beaujeu diminished a little, and gave way to the favour of some of the young King's Domestick Officers; which she did the more cheerfully undergoe, because her Husband was become Duke of Bourbon by the decease of John his el∣dest Brother which hapned in 1488.

[Year of our Lord 1490. And, 1491.] The young King now become Master of his own Will and Desires, did en∣deavour to form himself to Goodness by his own inclination, addicting his Mind to the Study and Reading useful Books, and delighting in the Conversa∣tion of knowing Men, as much as his former neglected Education and narrow Breeding could give him Light to do: but the flattering Courtiers to whose Hu∣mors a wise & serious Prince proves but a troublesome Master, diverted him from all these laudable Exercises and Employments before he had persevered in them one Year, and made him plunge anew in the delights of Fopperies and Women.

[Year of our Lord 1492] The Marriage being made with the Dutchess of Bretagne, they were to con∣sider of sending back Marguerite of Austria. Maximilian cruelly affended at this double Affront, cried out Treachery, and accused Charles of having forfa∣ken his own Wife, to ravish the Wife of his Father in Law. Henry King of England jealous of the growth of the French Manarchy, and perceiving too late the Fault he had committed in suffering Bretagne to be lost, leagned himself with him, and both agreed to joyn their Forces that they might fall upon Pi∣cardy.

[Year of our Lord 1492] The English failed not to land at Calais at the Time prefixt, and laid siege to Boulogne: but finding his endeavors signified little, that Maximilian came not to joyn his Forces as was promised, and withal heard the Rumors of a dangerous Faction in England, he found it safest to retire again, and took an hundred and fifty thousand Crowns for the Charges of his Army, and for some Monies he had lent to Francis II. Duke of Bretagne, Father of the new Queen.

Maximilian in the mean time not having sufficient Forces, made use of Craft, he Surprized the Cities of Arras and Saint Omers by intelligence, and by Night entred into Amiens, from whence he was vigorously repulsed. His Anger be∣ing a little evaporated, he consented they should get a Truce of the King for a Twelve-month in the Name of his Son Philip; but he would neither be compri∣sed nor named in it.

The Kingdom of Granada, after a War of eight Years successively, was entirely con∣quer'd by the taking of her Capital City. Boabdila the last of their Kings, having sustained a Siege of eight Months, surrendred it to Ferdinand and Isabella the second [Year of our Lord 1492] Day of January of this Year 1492. Thus ended the Dominion of the Moors in Spain, where it had lasted neer eight hundred Years: but not their Nation, nor their Maho∣metan impiety, which the Severities of their Inquisition, and their repeated Proscripti∣ons could not wholly extirpate but with much difficulty.

Now as if every thing had contributed to Fill and Crown the House of Spain with Honor and Riches, that they might transfer it to the House of Austria, it hapned al∣most at the same time, when they finisht this War, thae Christopher Colombus dis∣cover'd

the new World or that Hemisphear opposite to ours. That great Sea-Captain a [Year of our Lord 1492. And, 1493.] Genoese by Nation, having found by a Relation in Manuscript of a certain Marriner, and by Arguments drawn from the disposition of the World, and roundness of the Globe, composed of the Sea and Land, that there were habitable Countries in those Parts opposite to these which we inhabit, after he had in vain apply'd himself to divers Princes, obtained with much ado, three Vessels of Ferdinand and Isabella to go and seek out that which he did imagine might be found.

He loosed from Cadix in the Month of August of the Year 1492. And sailed so far that he discovered the Islands of Florida, from whence he returned into Spain in the following March, bringing back with him convincing Marks and Tokens of his dis∣covery, and the infinite Riches of those Countries. The Spaniards were pleased to name them the West-Indies. An hundred Years before this, two Venetian Captains named Zeni, had found out the Northern Estotiland.

[Year of our Lord 1493] Two Months after his return into Spain, Pope Alexander VI. who was by birth an Arrogonian, gave to Ferdinand and Isabella, and to all their Successors Kings of Castille, all the Lands discover'd and to be discover'd beyond a Line that was to be drawn from the Arctick to be Antarctick Pole, distant from the Azores about a hun∣dred Leagues towards the West and by South, upon condition he should send some ho∣nest and learned Men thither to instruct those People in the Christian Religion. Saint Bennet's Order had the Honor of the first Mission; One named Dom N. Bueil a Ca∣talon was sent thither with twelve Priests, and sowed the first Seeds of Faith there.

[Year of our Lord 1492] That nothing might be wanting to the Happiness of Spain, the young King Charles VIII. did of his own good Will, surrender the Counties of Rousillon and Cerdagne to Ferdinand, without requiring the three hundred thousand Crowns, for which Sum they were engaged: but only a Promise that he should be a friend to France. The World was amazed and scandalized at this suddain and unexpected Generosity. Common Fame laid the blame of it upon a Cordelier Frier by Name Oliver Maillard a famous Preacher in those days, and Confessor to the young King. It was reported that being suborned by Ferdinand, who sent him Barrels of Silver in stead of Wine, and having associated himself with John Mauleon another Monk of the same Order, to help carry on this Intrigue, this last being Confessor to the Dutchess of Bourbon * 1.125, they publickly affirmed that King Lewis XI. being on his Death-Bed, had given Order for the restitution of these Counties, and that his Soul would have no rest till it were performed; That with this Theme and by these Suggestions the two honest Fathers (some add a third Man Saint Francis de Paulo) cast so much terrour into the Soul of that Lady, and of Lewis d'Amboise Bishop of Alby, who had been Tutor to the King, that they perswaded and engaged him to make this fine Restitu∣tion.

[Year of our Lord 1493] The German Princes and the Swisse becoming Mediators concerning the diffe∣rences between France and the House of Austria, a Conference was agreed upon to be held at Senlis, where the Deputies from the Emperor Frederic, from Maxi∣milian his Son, and the Arch Duke Philip his Grandson, concluded with the King's Deputies to put an end to all Disputes; That the King should send [Year of our Lord 1493] Marguerit back to the Arch Duke her Brother, that together with her, he should render up the Counties of Artois and Burgundy: but that he should retain the Castles belonging to the four Cities in Artois till four Years were ex∣pired, and that then Philip being in majority, should come and swear and ratify the Peace.

* 1.126 Ever since the Year 1492. there had been some discourse set on foot of the Rights and Title the King had to the Kingdom of Naples, and Arguments used to enflame that young Prince with the Love and Desire of so fair a Conquest. [Year of our Lord 1492. 1493. And, 1494.] The Earl of Salerno and those Gentlemen that were banished from Naples ha∣ving taken Sanctuary in France, made the first propositions. Afterwards Ludo∣vic Sforza was the principal Agent, and brought the King to a determinate reso∣lution for this Enterprize, which cost Italy it's liberty, and a vast deal of Money, Blood and Trouble to France.

The whole thrid of this design, which he spun with incredible Artifice, tend∣ed to no more but to make him possessor of the Dutchy of Milan. To bring this to pass he had Married his Sister to Maximilian King of the Romans, and had se∣cretly taken the investiture of that Dutchy, as vacant by default of Hommage and other Duties not tendred: but this he must wrest from John Galeas Son of

his eldest Brother who held it by a just Title. This was a young Man of little Courage whom he already kept as his Captive, having chaced away his Mother Bon∣ne de Savoy Sister to the Kings mother, who had forfeited her Reputation by her Gallantries in her Widdow-hood: but he had married a Wife as Couragious as Beautiful, who being Daughter of Alphonso Duke of Calabria, Son of Ferdinand King of Naples, was able with the assistance of her Brother to retard the Execution of his malitious designs.

This was the motive which obliged Ludovic to stir up the King to the Con∣quest of Naples, to ruin, or at least to Embarrass that House which was alone able to prevent him. He had the City of Genoa under his subjection, (which nevertheless held of the Crown of France, the Kings Favourites having obtained the investiture for him for eight Thousand Crowns,) in his Alliance Hercules d'Est Duke of Ferrara his Father in Law, Bentivoglio Lord of Bologna and some other Lords.

In those Days there were five great Governments or Powers in Italy, two Republicks, Venice and Florence; this holding more of a Democracy or Popular State, the other an Aristocracy or Government by Nobles, the Church or Pope, the King of Naples, and the Duke of Milan; Venice was Governed by their Senate, none of her Citizens daring to raise themselves above the rest. At Florence the Medici had usurped all the Authority, after they had extirpated the Passi; Peter the Head of the Family behaved himself with unsufferable haughtiness.

Lewis Sforza, as we have told ye, Governed the Milanois, a Man that was perfidious, sanguinary, crafty, and very aptly Surnamed the Moor; not only because his Skin was tawny, but likewise because he exceeded the Africans in Treacheries and Disloyalty. In the Holy See was then sitting, or rather in∣truded, Alexander VI. who disposed of all things at his pleasure, and to say truth, he had paid for the tripple Crown.

It will suffice, to give you his just Character, to say in a word, that never any Mahometan Prince was more Impious, more Vicious or more Faithless than he; and if any one did ever surpass him in his abominations, it was Caesar Borgia his Bastard Son.

At Naples Reigned* 1.127 Ferdinand Bastard of Alphonso King of Arragon. He had two Sons, Alphonso and Frederic; And Alphonso had a Son named Ferdinand as was his Grandfather, Aged twenty or two and twenty years. This last seemed to be of a good disposition, and gained the Love of the Nobility and People: but his Father and Grandfather were held in execration amongst all their Subjects for their Taxes, Monopolies, and bloody Cruelties; the son exceeding the Father as much in wickedness, as the Father exceeded all other Princes. Besides, all these Potentates had no Religion, but by their Actions and in their Discourse professed a most Villainous and Brutish Atheism; but withal pretended to great Wisdom and the finest Politicks.

[Year of our Lord 1492. 93. & 94.] There were two men that wholly Governed the Kings mind, Stephen de Vers his Chamberlain and Seneschal of Beaucare, and William Briconnet his Treasurer General, and Bishop of St. Malo. By their means this War was undertaken: but Briconnet having afterwards more thorowly considered and weighed it, be∣became of a quite contrary opinion.

Two years was it absolutely resolved upon, then laid aside, then again under consideration and debate. There was not Wisdom enough in the Kings Council, no money in his Coffers, no assurance of his Allies; for in Italy he had none for him but the Traitor and perfidious Ludovic, in whom no prudent man would put any confidence; but under-hand there were against him the wise Venctians, and openly or barefac'd Pope Alexander, and Peter de Medicis.

Upon the rumour of this War, Ferdinand King of Naples sent to the King to [Year of our Lord 1494] offer him Hommage, and pay him an Annual Tritute of fifty Thousand Crowns. These proffers having been rejected, such grief and fear Seized upon him, that his last day was the five and twentieth of January in the year 1494. being aged Seventy two. His Son Alphonso more wicked then himself, and more unfortu∣nate, took the Scepter.

After many delays, the King pressed by the continual Sollicitations of Ludo∣vic, to which were likewise joyned those of the Cardinal of Saint Peters, &c. an irreconciliable Enemy to Pope Alexander, left Paris in the Month of July, ha∣ving

given the Regency to Peter Duke of Bourbon, during the time he should be out of France. He remained a while at Lyons in great uncertainty what he should do, then again at Vienne: from thence he passed to the City of Ast where he sojourned near a Month, whilst they drew his Cannon over the Mountains with much difficulty. In that place he was like to die of the Smal-Pox.

For two Years past had the Princes of Italy, those great Men in War and Po∣liticks, so much vaunted by their Historians, taken notice how this Design was forming, which could not but prove fatal hereafter to the liberty of their Country, and for the present invade their Peace and Power; and yet they had not Skill or Prudence enough to divert a Prince, who was but young and guided by a Council without Brains, nor Courage enough to meet and fight his Forces which were but inconsiderable: So that there is reason to believe that God had sealed their Eyes, tied their Hands behind them, and raised up this young King to chastize them. Indeed Hierosme Savanarola a Dominican had a long time be∣fore filled all Italy with predictions of his coming, and affirmed that he had a Commission from Heaven to Dethrone the Tyrants.

For this great Enterprize he had belonging to himself but sixteen hundred Gents-Darmes, each with his two Archers on Horse-back, his two hundred Gen∣tlemen, three or four hundred Horse lightly arm'd, twelve thousand Foot, half Swisse and half French: but withal a great number of young Lords and No∣bility who went Volunteers, all very fit and useful for a Day of Battle, but not any wise proper in Affairs that required length of time, as not able to undergo Hardship, nor be under Command.

Alphonso was resolved to carry the War into Ludovic's Country, to this effect he had sent an Army into Romagnia, commanded by young Frederic his Son, and another by his Brother Frederic towards the Coasts of Genoa. Frederic goes on Shoar at Rapalo, thinking thereby to make the Genoese rise by the intelligence of those that were Banished: but the Duke of Orleans who commanded the French Fleet, beat the others in the Post which they had fortified, and Daubigny having with some Forces outmarched Ferdinand and stept in before him, prevented his getting into Romagnia.

These successful beginnings engaged Charles the more. He parted from Ast the sixth day of October.

At Turin he borrowed the Dutchess of Savoyes Rings, and at Casal the Mar∣chioness of Montferrats, and pawned them for twenty four thousand Ducats. Lu∣dovic with his Wife came to receive him at Vigeue, and accompanied him as far as Piacenza.

He arrived at Pavia the thirteenth of October. There he found Duke Galeazo very ill of some Morsel his good Uncle Ludovic had caused to be given him. Be∣ing at Piacenza he heard of his Death, and then Ludovic who had accompanied him thither, took his leave of him to go and reap the Fruit of his Crime, and make sure of the Dutchy, without any regard to Galeazo's Son as yet but five years old.

* 1.128 The French trembled with rage that this wicked Wretch should bring the King to be witness of a Parricide upon the Person of his* 1.129 Cousin-German. They thought it much more just and safe to revenge this Death upon that Tyrant, and to conquer the Dutchy of Milan, and the City of Genoa, then to run to the far∣ther end of Italy, crossing above an hundred Leagues thorow the Enemies Coun∣try, in the midst of Winter, without Money and without Provisions, to seek out a Kingdom which would be impossible to keep, unless they could first be Masters of Genoa and the Milanois. Such was the sentiment of Desquerdes a great Sol∣dier; and had he lived, had so much Credit with the King as would no doubt have perswaded him to take that Course, but he died at Lyons. Ludovic's In∣trigues who had gained Stephen de Vers, overthrew all that good Counsel; and the King went forward, taking his march by Tuscany.

The taking a small Castle by storm on the Confines of the State of Florence, and afterwards the Fort of Serezanella, which capitulated, and then the defeat of some Succors which Paul Ʋrsinus was bringing, did so astonish Peter de Mede∣cis, that he consigned four Places into the King's Hands, which were even the very Keys of that Country, to hold them for some certain Time, and con∣sented that he should borrow Two hundred thousand gold Crowns of that City

Ludovic had fancied to himself that the King would put those places into his hands, pretending that two of them belonged to the City of Genoa; And for this purpose lent him twenty Thousand Ducats: The Council having fairly deni∣ed him, he retired, but left some of his Emissaries about the King to watch their opportunities, and dispose things for his advantage. His fingers itched to get Pisa; One day while the King was in that City, his men had persuaded the Pi∣sans to fall on their Knees as he went along to Mass, and cry out for Liberty. The young King was moved with Pity, and the Master of Requests who went along before, assured him that what they craved was Just; Thus without considering that City was none of his, he granted them their desires.

The Florentines at all times French by inclination, taking their opportunity of the Kings approach, banished Peter de Medecis from their City by a Sentence of the Senate, and recovered their Liberty. He retired to Bologna, and from thence to Venice, with so little Credit that one of his own Factors refused to let him have a Piece of Cloth he sent for.

The 17th of November the King entred into Florence, his Army in Battallia, and himself Armed at all points, his Lance upon his Thigh. The Florentines partly by force, partly out of good will, treated upon and agreed a Confederation with him, which was proclaimed in all the Cities of Italy, with a Manifesto, decla∣ring that the King was come thither only to chace away the Tyrants, and from thence to carry his Arms against the Turks, the capital Enemies to Christen∣dom.

Picus Mirandolus, that marvellous Prodigy of all sorts of Sciences, Died in Flo∣rence the same Day the King made his entrance.

The very same hour he went forth, the City of Pisa threw off the yoak of the Florentines, the People pull'd down their Arms, and erected the Kings Statue in the room of them.

This prodigious success of the French, their great train of Artillery which was drawn by Horses * 1.130▪ and so well managed, that in a few hours they could shatter and beat down the strongest Walls, as likewise their Combats which was no Chil∣drens play like the Italian fighting, bred a Terror over all. Young Ferdinand soon retreated from before Aubigny even to Rome, and his Uncle Frederic getting out of the Port at Legorne, retured to Naples. All cried out Vive France, the places about Rome strove which should first surrender, and the Ʋrsini made their Peace with the King.

Then his Holyness, to his great regret, intreated Frederic to withdraw his Forces, and himself was constrained to let the King make his entrance into Rome, he being retired to the Castle St. Angelo.

[Year of our Lord 1494] The King entred there Armed as into an Enemies Town (upon the 28th of December) and disposed of his Soldiers and Artillery in all the publick places; So that Alexander fearing to be taken by force and deposed, as he well deserved, capitulated with him, and condescended to what ever he desired. Amongst other things he let him have five or six of his best places for a certain time, the investi∣ture of the Kingdom of Naples, Caesar Borgia his Bastard Son, who was called the Cardinal of Valentia, for Hostage, and Zemes or Zizim, the Brother of Ba∣jazeth, to make use of him against the Turks.

[Year of our Lord 1495] The Treaty being finished, the Pope came down from his Castle. He and the King saw each other often, with more appearance of Friendship then any real con∣fidence; And the King shewed great respect to his Dignity, even to the kissing of his Feet, giving him water to wash at Mass, and taking his Seat in the Chappel below the Dean and Cardinals. Which did not so well please such as expected he would have made use of his power in reforming the Roman Church, and pur∣ging the Holy See of a Tyrant who defiled with all the abominations imaginable the House of God.

The eight and Twentieth of January the King went from Rome, continuing his march towards the Kingdom of Naples. Being at Velitri the Cardinal Bastard Son of the Pope who was an Hostage, slunk away from him and returned back to Rome.

At the same place Antony de Fonseca Ambassador from Ferdinand King of Ar∣ragon, seeking some pretence for a Rupture, made sharp complaints for that the French invaded the Empire of all Italy, and urged that when his Master treating

with King Charles had promised not to oppose him in his Progress, meant it only in relation to the Kingdom of Naples; whereas the King had taken divers places from the Florentines and from the Holy See. The French replied smartly. And the dispute growing hot, the Ambassador tore the Treaty in pieces in the Kings presence, which so inceased them, that they could scarce forbear doing the like to his person.

[Year of our Lord 1495] The same Day he had news of Alphonso's flight. That King finding himself mortally hated by his Subjects, whom both he and old Ferdinand had Treated most cruelly, resigned his Crown which he had not worn a year, to young Fer∣dinand his Son, and retired to Messina in Sicilia, where he shut himself up in a Mo∣nastery to do pennance all the rest of his Days. They were not many, for be∣fore the end of that year he ended his life, Dying of the Gravel, which made him Languish with most grievous Torment.

Alphonso's fears and astonishment was so strange that although the French were yet above sixty Leagues distant, he fancied they were in the very Streets of Naples, and that the Trees and Stones cried out France. His wife begging him to stay but only three days, that she might say she had been one whole year in her new King∣dom, he would not allow her that little satisfaction, but said he would throw himself out of the Windows if they offer'd to detain him any longer. He made so much hast to fly thence that he took none of all the vast Riches with him, which he had heaped up in his strong Castles.

The misfortunes of this House, or rather the Judgments of the Almighty God followed the Son as they had done the Father and Grandfather. Ferdinand came and had posted himself at the passage de Cancello near the Abbey of Saint Germans, to defend the entrance into the Kingdom. As soon as ever the Mares∣chal de Rieux drew near to attack him, he quitted it, and all his Forces Disband∣ed. John James Trivulcio a Milanese by Birth, but who having been Banished by Ludovic was Listed in his Service, came over to the Kings Party, and gave him up Capoua: which gave example to all the rest to do the like; the City of Naples shut her Gates against him; in a word, he retired to the Island of Ischia, leaving the defence of the Castles of Naples to his most considing Officers.

The two and twentieth of February the King made his entrance into that City, the People triumphing at his Victory, and receiving him as if he had been their founder and deliverer. The Castles did not hold out long. Thus in four Months this young King marched thorough all Italy, was received every where as their Soveraign Lord, without using any Force, only sending his Harbingers to mark out his Lodgings, and Conquer'd the whole Kingdom of Naples in fifteen days, excepting only Brindes.

[Year of our Lord 1495] Greece was almost ready to follow the same Dance with Italy. Bajazeth Siezed with the extreamest Terror, had drawn away all his Garrisons to strengthen his City of Constantinople, the Gr••ecians were ready to cut the Throats of all the Turks, and the Turks cast their eyes towards Zemes or Zizim, and wisht he were their Soveraign. The jealous Venetians and the Pope made this design miscarry amidst all those fair hopes, they poysoned that Prince before he was resigned into the hands of the French; And withal gave the Turks notice of all the cor∣respondence the King held in those Countries. Which cost the Lives or Ruin of above fifty Thousand Christians, whom the King was to have furnished with Arms to have Siezed divers maritime Towns, at the time he was to pass into Greece.

This Bright Sun-shine of Fortune did so dazle the young King and all his Coun∣cil, who had but little Sence or Judgment, that they scarce minded or took care of any thing. Several Cities that had set up the Standard of France, returned to the Arrogonians, for want of sending some body to receive and take possession for the King; the Favourites on whom he bestowed the Governments, squan∣dred away the Ammunitions, his Soldiers lived at discretion, and his Lords became insolent. The People were not eased, no justice was done to those Gentlemen of the Angevin Faction, who had been thrown out of all their Estates; So that the Love they had at first for the French was soon converted into hatred, and made them forget the sorrows under the foregoing Tyrannies.

[Year of our Lord 1495] Whilst the King and his Court full of young Fopps wasted their time in dan∣cing, Feasting, Gaming and pleasant Walks, the Venetians laboured to form a League against him, comprizing the Pope, the Emperor, the Arch-Duke his Son, Ferdinand King of Arragon, and Ludovic Sforza; so many Heads could not readily be brought to agree together, it required near a whole years time to adjust them;

And the League they thought to contrive to obstruct his going into Italy, could now only serve them to turn him out again. At first Ludovic would by no means side with them, on the contrary he endeavoured his utmost to hinder them: but ha∣ving attained his own ends he was the most zealous to promote and hasten it. It was concluded about the end of Lent, and published upon Palm-Sunday in pre∣sence [☞] of the Turkish Ambassador. The Venetians and the Pope his good Friends, would needs gratify him with that joyful news before he took his leave.

The information the King had thereof put him upon thoughts of his return: but yet ere he went he would needs make his Triumphant entrance into Naples the Thirteenth Day of May. He was on Horse-back in an Imperial Habit, a Crown upon his Head, the Globe in his right Hand, and a Scepter in his Left, under a Canopy born by the greatest Lords of that Country, and the People shouting aloud and crying Long live the August Emperor! With this Ceremony he was conducted to the great Church, where he received anew their Oaths of Fi∣delity.

He left in all four Thousand men to defend that Kingdom, and the Country furnished him with twice as many. Gilbert de Bourbon Duke of Montpensier had the Title and power of Vice-Roy, a good man, but of little judgment, and one that loved his ease so much, he seldom rose from his Bed till Noon; Daubigny the Office of Constable and the Government of Calabria, George de Sully that of the Dutchy of Tarente, Gratian Guerre a Gascon, that of Abruzzo, Stephen de Vers the Dutchy of Nola.

He parted from Naples the Twentieth of May. The Pope had offended him too much to stay his coming, he went from Rome and retired to Orvieto. But the King did not fail to restore all those places he held belonging to the Church. As soon as he was gone some distance, the Colonnas lately so zealous for his Interests, turned their backs upon him; the Florentines alone out of a desire to regain their own, offer'd to maintain his quarrel, and to furnish him with a good force to convoy him: but he refused both the one and the other, and again confirmed the Liberty of the Pisans.

He lost twelve or fifteen days time at Pisa and at Sienna, during which the Con∣federates Army had leasure enough to Assemble. Perhaps he waited for news from the Duke of Orleans, who remained yet in his City of Ast, with orders to bring him a re-inforcement of eight or nine Thousand men. But Lewis who had some pretensions to the Dutchy of Milan, having found a fair opportunity to surprize the City of Novarre had amuzed himself there, leaving the King ex∣posed to great danger; And indeed it Succeeded but ill with him, for Ludovic Be∣sieged him in it before he could have time to furnish it with Victuals.

Though the Kings Army were very weak, yet being on it's March he sent a re-inforcement of some Companies which came to him from France, commanded by Philip de Savoy Earl of Bresse, and another besides who were in eight Galleys, to execute an enterprize upon the Genoese. The Fregoses, Enemies to Ludovic and the Adornes, made him believe it very easie; but it fell out very ill, the Genoese [Year of our Lord 1495] taking his Galleys in the Port of Rapalo, and the Earl of Bresse who was advanced into the very Suburbs, retreating with a great deal of shame.

The Confederates had in their Army neer forty thousand sighting Men; Fran∣cis Marquiss of Mantoua commanded them in Chief: the King had not above nine thousand at most: yet they durst not attack him in the Mountains, but wait∣ed for him at his descent, neer the Village of Fornoua in a Valley of about a Mile and a half wide, where he was necessarily to pass.

Fornoua is a Village about nine Miles on the other side of Piacenza; The King being come to Lodge there, (the little River of Tar was between the two Armies) sent to the Confederates to demand Passage, and receiving no Answer, he resolved to make Way with the Sword. Theyca me to Blows on the Sixth of July, the Confederares in less then a quarter of an Hour, were beaten back to their very Camp with the loss of three thousand of their Men; The Field was the Kings, and this important Victory, which did not cost him above fourscore Men, and a small part of his Baggage, secured him the Way to Ast. He arrived there the Fifteenth of the Month, very much harassed and tyred, not so much by the Enemy, who followed him at a great distance, as the Difficul∣ties of the Ways, and the Scarcity of Provisions.

[Year of our Lord 1495] Whilst he refreshed himself, and walked from Ast to Quiers and to Turin, the Florence Ambassadors solicited him for the Restitution of their Towns. He

commanded those Captains that held them to surrender them: but he was so easy and so little absolute, that very far from obeying him, they presumed to sell them, some to the Pisans, and the rest to the Venetians.

The Confederates after the Battle of Fornoua, had sent part of their Forces to the Siege of Novarre. The Duke of Orleans had not turned out the useless Mouths soon enough, and had suffer'd himself to be coop'd up in hopes the King would soon come and deliver him. But as he had not oblig'd him over-much, and besides had more Passion for a new Amour he had begun at Quiers, then for the War, he made no great haste, but left him to suffer the extremest Famine.

[Year of our Lord 1495] At length however he resolved to disingage him, and came to Vercel with that Design. His Army encreasing every day, the Enemies were afraid and hearkned to a Treaty. Whilst that was concluding they permitted the Duke of Orleans, and three Days afterwards his whole Garrison more then half Hunger-Starved, to crawl out of the City, which was left to the Charge of the Inhabitants, up∣on condition, that if they did not agree upon the Treaty, the Duke should re∣turn and put himself into the Castle, which some Men of his had still in their keeping.

Some few Days after, the Treaty being almost perfected, there arrived a Party of sixteen thousand Swisse who came to the French Army. The Duke of Orle∣ans insisted highly to give Battle to the Enemy, the gaining of it would at least have been so of all the Milanois. He had been satisfied in his Desires, had there not been more apprehension of the boldness of the Swisse, then the Enemies Ar∣my; for being double their own Number, they might have seized the King's Person if they would. This consideration made them think it more Prudence to conclude with Sforza; They restored Novarre to him, and the Port de la Spez∣zia; and he promised to furnish a certain number of Ships and Men for the Con∣quest of Naples, to give Passage through his Countries, to pay the King four score thousand Crowns, and fifty thousand to the Duke of Orleans, to make Restitu∣tion of the eight Galleys taken by the Genoese at Rapalo, and to admit the French to Equip their Fleets in that Port.

The King's impatience was so great, he had not leisure to stay till the Exe∣cution of this Treaty; as soon as it was Signed, he went away with all speed to Lyons to Dance, Masquerade, and make Love. Sforza observing him so wholly taken up with his Pleasures, not in a likely-hood of returning thither suddenly, did not perform one Article of the Treaty.

Ferdinand King of Naples, did for his part, take the Advantages he ought of his Absence, and his Carelesness. All the Princes that were in the Italian League contributed to restore him to his Kingdom: The Pope and Cardinal Sforza, practised to gain the Cities for him by their Intrigues, especially that of Naples. The King of Arragon his Relation sent him two Armies; One for the Land-service, commanded by Ferdinand Gonzales, the Vulgar called him Gonsalvo, who assumed the Name of the Great Captain; the other for Sea-service, by Villamiarmo. The Venetians did likewise set two Armies on Foot. Grimani, was Chief of that at Sea, and Francis de Gonzague of the other; but this arrived not till the end of the Year.

These crafty Politicians imagined that this conjunction would in time give them the whole Empire of Italy, for Ferdinand engaged Brindes and Otranto to them, and soon after Grimani seized upon Monopoli, Mola, Siponte and Trani. The French could hardly save Tarenta; the City of Cajeta revolted, and penn'd them up in the Castle.

On the other side Frederic and Gonsalvo made themselves Masters of Regio, of Saint Agatha and Seminaro. Aubigny shut them up in Seminaro, they sallied forth to remove him and lost the Battle. This might have proved the Total ruine of Frederic, had Aubigny pursued his Point home: but he fell Sick by the intem∣perance of the Climat, or his own Intemperance, and the French Affairs lan∣guished with him.

Ferdinand was more Fortunate at Sea. So soon as he appear'd upon the Coast with some Ships of his own, and some belonging to the Spaniard, Salerna and Malfus* 1.131 set up his Standard: the Citizens of Naples who had not dared to stir* 1.132 for three Days together, upon the fourth besought him to send some Men on Shoar. Montpensur was so imprudent as to March out of the Town to attack them; No sooner was he out, but they shut the Gates at his Heels, and scarcely could he, by going a long way about, get entrance into the Castle del Ovo* 1.133 a∣gain.

From thence he descended again into the City with his Sword and Flam∣beau in Hand, and strugled mightily to recover it: but the Revolters opposed him with Retrenchments and Barricado's, which they wrought upon with so much diligence both Night and Day, that they coop'd him in the Castle. This hapned at the same time as the Battle of Fornowa.

After three Months Siege and continul Skirmishes, Montpensier wanted Pro∣visions, and was informed at the same time, that the relief which was coming from France by Sea, meeting with great Storms, was driven to Legorne and there dispersed. In this extremity he capitulated with the Enemy to deliver up the Castles in a Months time if he were not relieved.

In the mean time he bethinks himself, but very late, to send to Aubigny, to dravv all his Forces together and come to disengage him; Aubigny could not go in Person being yet sick, he sent Percy who cut four thousand of the Count de Ma∣talonas Men in pieces near Eboli. Ferdinand vvas so much dismay'd, that he had thoughts of Flying: but the Neapolitans, and the Colonnas, whom fear of Punish∣ment had made desperate, labour'd so much, as to make him change his Fear in∣to [Year of our Lord 1495] a Re-assurance. Percy coming thither, found their Intrenchments so well guarded, that he could not approach the Castle whereupon he returned to Nola.

Mean while Stephen de Vers, whom the King had made Duke of Nola, being gone into France, did earnestly sollicite they would provide for the maintaining of that Kingdom: the Ambassadors from the Florentines, the Cardinal of Saint Peters, &c. and Signor Trivultio joyned their Intreaties; and the French, even those that had advised against the first Attempts for this Conquest, declared all with one Voice, that it now concerned the Honor of the Nation to preserve it, and not suffer the Great Monarch of France to be braved by those Bastards of the House of Arragon. Every one desired this, excepting those that managed the Affairs, particularly the Cardinal Briconnet, who either by intelligence with the Pope, or out of Sloath and Cowardize, hindred the rest from acting. The King might be angry with them if he pleased, nothing went forward.

[Year of our Lord 1496] The importunity of those Lords who were engaged in the Kingdom of Na∣ples, the reproaches of the French, and those of his own Conscience, obliged the King to resolve upon a new Effort, for the Affairs of Italy. He parted from Tours, where he left the Queen his Wife, came to Saint Denis to take his Fare∣well of the Holy Martyrs, advanced to Lyons, and gave out his Orders every where; then when it was believed he would have passed the Mountains, he re∣turned Post to Tours, whither the Charms of one of the Queens Maids attracted him as it were per-force. These grand Preparations amounted to six Vessels loa∣den with Provisions and Men for Cajeta.

[Year of our Lord 1496] Ludovic had perswaded the Emperor Maximilian to enter into Italy, to em∣brace the Defence of Pisa, which he thought by this means to get into his own Hands. Upon this Expedition it was that the Pisans pull'd down the King's Sta∣tute to set up the Emperors in its stead. As for the rest of this Enterprize, no more then in all his others, he showed neither Valor nor Perseverance, and to speak the Truth, he minded no more, but only to make his Musters com∣pleat, that he might get the Pay, and then drew off again like a Hire∣ling.

The French Affairs declined from Bad to Worse, Aubigny was Sick still, Per∣cy marr'd his greatest Success by his unsufferable Pride, the Germans Mutined for want of Pay, and the Garrisons were quite unfurnished. And to compleat these Misfortunes, Montpensier suffers himself to be shut up in Atella by three Armies, of Venetians, Spaniards, and Arrogonians, and for want of Provisions capitulated to Surrender the whole Kingdom in one Month. The other Chiefs, especially Aubigny and Guerre, refused to obey him in the execution of this Infamous Trea∣ty. As a Punishment for this Stubborness, Ferdinand banished both him and all his Soldiers into the Maritime Countries, where the Pestilential Air de∣stroy'd most of them. Of five thousand Men he had with him, hardly did five hundred escape, and Montpensier himself died at Puzzoli of Sickness or of Poi∣son.

From Atella, Gonsalvo* 1.134 passed to Calabria, reduced Manfredonia and Cosenza, and Besieged Daubigny in Gropoli. That generous Captain defended himself so bravely that he made an honourable composition; they gave him leave to carry back

his Forces into France, with Colours Flying: but the surrender of Cajeta was comprehended in it.

Nothing was left the French of this glorious and suddain Conquest but a villanous Disease, which cannot handsomely be named. The Spaniards having gotten it in the Islands of Florida, where it is almost Epidemical, had brought into and infected the Kingdom of Naples with it; the Women whom they had spoiled with this Venome, com∣municated it to the French.

[Year of our Lord 1496] Before Cajeta was Surrendred, King Ferdinand Died, and Frederic his Uncle ascended that mournful Throne with the good wishes and acclamations of all his Subjects.

Ferdinand King of Spain (his own people called him so, and the French in railery John Gipon* 1.135,) made an Inroad towards Narbonna in favour of Ferdinand King of Naples. Charles d'Albon Saint Andre, Lieutenant for the King in Lan∣guedoc, did not only repress them, but in ten hours forced the City of Salses in sight of their Army. The Spaniards fearing they might draw the whole burthen of the War upon themselves, entred into a Conference which towards the end of the year produced a Truce for some Months.

[Year of our Lord 1497] Several designs were set on foot, and divers means considered and projected for the recovery of the Kingdom of Naples, sometimes to receive Hommage and Tribute of Frederic, at other times to agree with the Pope who was Lord of the Fief, then to begin with the Milanois, and give the conduct to the Duke of Or∣leans. To this purpose Levies were made amongst the Swiss, and the Cavalry ad∣vanced as far as Ast: but the Duke refused that employment. Several consultati∣ons were held afterwards, some resolutions taken, but no effects; though the se∣veral and various interests of the Italian Princes did call every day for the Kings return, and opened the Gates wide enough for his re-entrance.

[Year of our Lord 1498] But his Health hourly diminishing, as well because he was of a washy constitu∣tion, and had loved the Ladies too much, or perhaps some slow working poyson given him by the Italians, made him lose the relish of all these Conquests; nay even of those amongst the Beauties, so that he now thought of nothing but how to lead a quiet and Christian life.

He therefore turned himself wholly towards God, and applied himself to the reforming of his State. He heard the complaints and causes of his Subjects, de∣posed corrupt Judges, studied to restore Justice to its Ancient Rules and Methods, without Charges or Bribes, considered how to lessen the Taxes and bring them down to twelve hundred thousand Crowns, which should not be Levied but by consent of the Estates, and that upon extraordinary occasions, and intended to defray his House-keeping and ordinary expences, out of his own Revenue and Demeasnes and the ancient Duties belonging to the Crown.

[Year of our Lord 1498] These good intentions came not into his Head till he was almost uncapable to put them in Execution. He had resided for some time past in his Castle of Amboise, where he was building; one Day the 6th of April about two hours after Noon, being in a Gallery, from whence he was looking upon some that were playing at Tennis in a dry-Ditch, he was Siezed with an Apoplexy, which made him fall down backwards. The Courtiers and Officers beholding him in that condition, laid him down in the same place on a pittiful Bed-matt, where he expir'd about Eleven at night, and forsook him to ride in all post hast to the Duke of Orleans his Successor. Many believed he was poysoned with an Orenge.

He Reigned fourteen years and a half, and had lived seven and twenty and nine Months. Of three Sons he had by Anne of Bretagne his Wife, not any one of them attained the fourth year. He was but of an ill shape, of low Stature, Weak and Sickly. His Shoulders were round, his Face deformed, his Speech slow and broken, yet were his eyes quick and sparkling, his thoughts sudden and sharp on great occasions, but not lasting; he shewed much Goodness, Humanity and Courtesie to all, but had so little Spirit, and was so careless that he was but little obey'd. We do not find that in his whole Life he ever turned away a Do∣mestick Servant, or ever offended any one of his Subjects with a harsh word.

The next Day after his Death, happened that of Jerosme Savanarolla the Domini∣can, a generous Victime for Liberty and the truth. He had foretold, either by his strength of reason and judgment, or by Divine revelation, all those grand revolutions in Italy;

* 1.136 He boldly Preached the Reformation of Princes, and of the Court of Rome; asserted that God had led the King by the Hand, and defended the Liberties of his Country against all those Factions that started up against it, an Infallible token of a good Man.

For which the Pope having Excommunicated him, the Cordeliers exclaiming against him in their Pulpits, Sforza and the Venetians Solliciting his Death, the Magistrates of the contrary Faction, caused him to be burnt alive.

* 1.137 The Council of Constance had laboured successfully enough towards taking away the Schism caused by those who contended for the Papacy: but they left the Seeds of a division almost as dangerous between the Church and the Popes.* 1.138 The Church stood in need of Councils to prevent the like disorders for the time to come; and to have the Holy Canons observed; but they could not allow there was any other Soveraign Tribunal but their own, or other power that could con∣troul their Excess. So that when they came to mention the reformation of manners, Pope Martin and the Court of Rome, who apprehended they would search that wound to the Quick, closed up the Council which ended the two and twentieth of April in the Year 1418. and referred that Business till another time.

They could not however hinder them from resolving that there should be Councils held from time to time, the first to begin within five Years from their breaking up, and afterwards one in every seventh Year; That the place should be assigned by the Pope, with the Consent of the Council, and upon his refusal by the Council themselves a Month before their rising; That all the Prelates with∣out any other Summons, should be obliged to appear, and all Princes invited to assist either in Person or by their Proxies.

Pursuant to this Decree, there was one assembled at Pavia, about the Month of November in 1423. which having continued a Year, not being very nume∣rous, nor hoping for more, because of an almost universal Plague and War, dissolved, having first assigned another for the next seventh Year to meet in the City of Basile.

That began on the Nineteenth of July in Anno 1431. and lasted eighteen Years, the three first almost in continual Broils with Eugenius IV. the four fol∣lowing Years in pretty fair correspondence, the last eleven in an open War, and in fine went and expir'd at Lauzanna, whither Felix whom they had elected Pope, transferr'd it, to renounce the Papacy.

Let me note, en Passant that this Felix, whilst he was Amadce VIII. Duke of Savoy, instituted the Military Order of Saint Maurice about the Year 1434.

We have observed how during these disorders the Gallican Church being as∣sembled at Bourges Anno 1438. not only owned the Council of Basile, and would not give their consent to transfer it to Bologna, as the Pope had ordained: but made that constitution so equitable and Canonical, entitled the Pragmatique San∣ction. The Council approved it, and gave it as much applause as it afterwards met with Contradictions and Attacks from the Popes; who could never rest in quiet till they had abolisht it. Nevertheless maugre all their endeavours it kept in being till the Year 1516. when it was suppress'd by the Concordat.

In the eight and twentieth Session of the Council of Basile, there was made one of the most just and necessary Decrees in the World; but which shock'd the gainful Inte∣rests of too many People to be in force or observed any long time. It did forbid that any either at Rome, or elsewhere, should take any Money, &c. for Elections, or Con∣firmations, Presentations, Collations, Provisions, Institutions, Installations, and Inve∣stitures of all sorts of Benefices, Monasteries, and Ecclesiastical Offices, even of Cathe∣dral Churches and Metropolitans; neither for Sacred Orders, Benedictions, or upon sending the Pall, nor upon account of Bulls, the Seal, Common or Petty Services, first Fruits, whether under pretence of Custome, Priviledge, or Statute to the contrary, or in sine by what Title, or under any Colour whatsoever: Ordaining that such as contra∣vened, whether in giving, or else in taking any thing, should incur the Penalties of Si∣moniaques, and should have no right to that Benefice where into they should have intru∣ded themselves by such corruption; And if even the Pope, who was the most obliged to ob∣serve the Oecumenical Decrees of the Councils and the Holy Canons, should infringe this Decree, he should be accused in Council.

* 1.139 In the same Council it was ordained, that the triennial Possessor of a Benefice, should not be disturbed in his enjoyment of it.

As to the particular Councils of the Gallican Church, we can find but three, one of the Province of Tours, celebrated by the Archbishop John Bernardi in Angers Anno 1448. for restoring of the Discipline; One of that of Reims Anno 1455. by the Archbishop John Juvenal, des Ʋrsins in the City of Soissons for the same end, and one at Avignon by the Legate Peter de Foix Archbishop of Arles, Anno 1457.

Some perhaps would in this Rank place the two Assemblies of Bourges called by Charles VII. the one where the Pragmatick was framed, the other with whom he consulted to which of the two Popes they were to adhere, either to Nicholas or Felix; and that which was held at Lyons Anno 1447. whither the Deputies of the Council of Basile resorted, and the Ambassadors from the German Princes, and likewise the Electors of Treves and Colen to regulate the Conditions, upon which Felix should renounce the Papacy.

* 1.140 Neither any of Nickclif's, nor the Hussite Sectaries spread so far as to infest France, or at least did take no rooting there: but in the Year 1412. there sprung up a Sect in Picardy who were called Men of Intelligence, whereof a Frier William de Hildernissen a German of the Carmelites Order, and one Giles le Chau∣tre a Secular, were the Evangelists. This Giles said he was the Savior of Man∣kind, and that by him the Faithful should see Jesus Christ, as by Jesus Christ they should behold God the Father: That the Devil and all the Damned should one Day be saved; That the Pleasures of Love, being simple acts of Nature, were no Crimes, but a fore-tast of Paradice; That Fastings, Pennance, Confession and Ceremonies were but useless things; That the time of the Old Law, was that of God the Father, the time of the New Law, that of God the Son, and that there would shortly be a third, which should be the time of the Holy Ghost, and there∣in all Mankind stould be set at Liberty; That their Actions contributed neither to Salvation nor Damnation, for that Our Lord Jesus Christ had abundantly sa∣tisfied for the whole World. These with many other Whimseys they openly taught. The Carmelite was forced to retract them at Bruxels, at Cambray and at Saint Quentines, where he had dogmatized, before Peter Dailly, who about that time was created Cardinal.

The Court of Rome did likewise place in the number of Hereticks, another Carmelite named Thomas Connect a Breton by birth, and caused him to be burnt a∣live in the Year 1431. though many believe that the Evangelical Liberty he took to reprove the abominations of the Prelates, and the Confidence he had in car∣rying on his reformation to the very Spring-head of Corruption, was all his Crime. However his Sermons were so powerful, that they wrought a wonderful Change where ever he went, moveing even the wanton Women so much, as to sell their very Cloaths and Jewels to bestow in Alms, and throw all their a∣morous Toys and Ammunition into the Fire, that they might be no longer tempted with those Vanities and dangerous Triflcs.

A certain French Priest going to Rome at the time of Jubile in Anno 1450. ran the same hazard as the Carmelite, because he affirmed he had lived four years without eating. They believed it to be either an Impostor, or a Compact with the Devil, and he was banisht after they had first whipped him.

We find that in the Year 1453. one William Edeline Doctor in Divinity, and Prior of Saint Germans en Laye, was condemned by Sentence of the Bishop of Euureux to perpetual Imprisonment, for having abused a Woman of Quality; and to effect this, it was said he had made a Contract with the Devil, had wor∣ship'd him in the shape of a Ram, and had often been transported through the Air, to those Nocturnal Assemblies, which they called their Sabat.

We read likewise in the Bourdelois Chronicle, that Anno 1435. in the time of Peter Berland Archbishop of Bourdeaux in that Country, was discover'd a grand Cabal of those Wretches, called Witches: that many of them were thrust into Prison, some of them were burned, and the rest poysoning themselves, left their Carkasses to be served as the others. This Archbishop was a Peasant by Birth, and but little Polished; nay, as I guess, more Scrupulous then Wife or Intelligent, since he opposed the Pragmatick; but yet he led a pure and innocent life.

* 1.141 There was War still betwixt the Jacobins and the Cordeliers, as between two opposite Powers, and mutually jealous, each of them watching an opportunity to

* 1.142 take advantage of his Adversary. In the year 1460. one James de la Marchea Cor∣delier having preached at Bresse in Lombardy, that the Blood of Jesus Christ whilst it was poured out of his Veins at the time of his Passion, had lost the Hypostatical Union, and that therefore during those three Days it was neither Divine nor Adorable: a Jacobin Inquisitor of the Faith, cried out it was an Here∣sy, commanded him to revoke that Proposition, and caused a Frier of his Order to preach in contradiction to him. The dispute grew warm, and then it was no longer the Opinion of two private Persons, but of both the whole Orders; the Devout took part with either according to their Affections and Interest, the Peo∣ple were cabaled and were divided, as it is usual, though they never understood the Question in debate.

Pope Pius II. fearing the consequences of these partialities, commanded the Generals to send the most learned of their Friers to him that he might hear their Arguments and Reasons in this Point. This question was bandied three whole Days before the Pope, and in the presence of the Cardinals, the Bishops and the most Famous Doctors in Law, who are more numerous in that Court, then the Divines. The greatest part of that Assembly, and the Pope himself incli∣ned to the Opinion of the Jacobins: but having need of the Cordeliers to preach up the Croisade, which ran much in his mind, they referr'd the decision of this Contest to another time, which is not come to this very Day; and in the inte∣rim the Holy Father made a Constitution, which forbid them, upon pain of Ex∣communication, and being rendred uncapable of all lawful Functions, to Men∣tion, Preach, or Teach in Private or Publick, any thing concerning this Que∣stion, or to maintain, that either the one or the other of these Opinions is Here∣tical. Nevertheless there have been some School-Men in the last Age, who out of a strange Itch of raking together all these Niceties and Punctillios, much fitter for Sophisters then solid Divines, have thrust this Question into their large Vo∣lumes: And there are besides some People of such a depraved Taste, and so ig∣norant of all Antiquity, that they do more delight in reading this Rubbish then in perusing the Holy Fathers or the Councils.

For this little advantage, the Jacobins frequently met with great rubbs and checks upon the Point of the Conception of the Virgin; They from time to time renewed the attack upon this question: but they were ever routed & beat from their ground. It happened in the year 1497. that one of their Doctors having Preached at Rouen, that she had indeed been purified not preserved from the Original stain, was cited before the University, and condemned to recant it publickly. The Faculty of Theology proceeded farther, they made a Decree to receive or admit no more Doctors hereafter, that did not first Swear to profess and maintain that the Vir∣gin was conceived without any blemish or stain. A great victory for the Corde∣liers to have thus obliged their Adversaries to swear what they never intend to be∣lieve or practise.

Alms being the only Revenue of the Mendicants, they endeavoured to engross the Confessions and Burials of all Seculars to themselves, that so they might get pr ofit both by the Living and the Dead. They had two advantages above the Ordinaries, the first was the Union of their Community, all labouring with one mind, and never quitting the design they have once propounded to themselves; the Second the exterior mortisied and singular Fashion of their Habits: So that the Churches belonging to those Monasteries were ever crowded with throngs of People, and the Parish Churches almost deserted, the Sheep forsaking their na∣tural Shepherds and the solid Food of their true Nursing Fathers, to run after the others Spiritual dainties.

In the year 1409. when the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 came to know they had a Pope of their own Order, which was Alexander V. they seemed as it were transported, and out of their Senses, hurrying thorow every street, so verily did they imagine they should dispose of his power to their own advantage. And indeed he did grant them all they desired, and amongst other favours a Bull to the four Orders Mendicants, which augmented their Priviledges to such an excess, that the University of Pa∣ris opposed it, and lopp'd off all those from their Body that made use of them. The Jacobins and Carmelites renounced all right to it; but the Cordeliers and Au∣gustins stood up for them. The King was fain to interpose his Authority: Pro∣clamation was made by sound of Trumpet at the Doors of their Covents, forbid∣ding them either to Preach or to Confess: So that Pope John XXIII. revo∣ked

that Bull, and the Council of Constance annull'd all those abusive Privi∣ledges. * 1.143

They did not desist from carrying on their Enterprizes, and maintained that one is not obliged to be at the Parish Church Masses upon Sundays and Holy-Days, nor to make Offerings to the Curates upon those Days; that such as were obliged to have Masses sung, whether for the Living, or for the Dead, did not acquit themselves of that Obligation if they had it done by the Curates only, for as much as he was bound to do so by his duty: That the Law of God did enjoyn the paying of Tithes indeed, but that it matters not to whom they are paid, pro∣vided they are bestowed for pious Works; That Saint Francis did regularly once a Year descend into Purgatory, and take forth all those that died in his Habit or of his Order; That the Friers Minors might hear Confessions without approba∣tion of the Ordinary, and provided they made Confession to them, they were not obliged to confess to their Pastor, no not once a Year. The Council of Basile condemned these Propositions as erronious, and tending to destroy the Hierar∣chical Order.

The Devotion of the Rosarie, and of the Virgins Psalter, instituted by Saint Dominique, but afterwards disused and neglected, were restored by the Preaching of the blessed Alain de la Roche a Jacobin, particularly in Saxony, Belgica, and the lesser Bretagne, and soon after confirmed by Pope Sixtus IV. You may remem∣ber to this purpose, that Lewis XI. ordained in his time, the Devotion to be paid to the Virgin at Noon upon the ringing of a Bell. Nor must we forget now in the Year 1475. he commanded the Feast of Saint Charlemain should be Solemnized, which had been otherwhile ordained by Pope Paschal upon the re∣quest of the Emperor Frederic I. and afterwards received and approved by all the Western Churches.

* 1.144 Innocent VII. Pope of Rome, approved the Rule of the third Order of Saint Dominique. Lewis Barba Patrician of Venice, Abbot of Saint Justinas at Padoua, reformed the Order of Saint Bennet in 1408. and instituted the Congregation of Mount Cassin. Anno 1419. Saint Bernardin of Sienna attempted to reform the Order of Saint Francis, and to bring them to a more strickt Observance, which divided it as it were in two* 1.145 Branches, that of the Observantines, or the narrow Sleeves, and that of the Cordeliers Conventuals, or of the great Sleeves. Some Years after, to witt, in 1425. the Blessed Collect Boilet Native of Corbie, a Holy Sister of Sancta Clara, did likewise reform the Monastery of Nunns of her Or∣der; She died at Ghent in the Year 1447. On the contrary the Rule of the Car∣melites, as too austere, was qualified and moderated by Pope Eugenius III. in Anno 1432. in the same manner they hold to this Day who are called Mi∣tigated.

The Brangling, Cobweb, Scholastick Controversies still kept the upper hand in the University. Their Latin was gross, and had only the Termination, but not the Phrases, and pleasing Air of the true ancient Roman Tongue. The Greek was a greater Stranger yet then the Latin, and more barbarous: but both of them began to be refin'd and polish'd, the Latin a little before the midle of this Age, in imitation of Petrarque and other Italians, who after him set themselves upon the Study of Elegancy; and the Greek about the Year 1460. when the learned Grecians sheltred themselves in divers Parts of the West, after the taking of Con∣stantinople. Gregory Tiphernas came to Paris in Anno 1460. and presented him∣self to the Rector to teach the Greek Tongue, and have that Reward allowed by Holy Decree which was granted. Hermonyme of Sparta came soon after, and taught that Language to John* 1.146 Reclin, who took the name of Capnion: then Janus Lascaris arrived, and by his politeness gave a great Gusto to all the most learned Men. After that many showed their Parts, as Poets, Orators, and Gram∣marians in both these Tongues.

The Credit of the University appeared very eminently at the time of the se∣cond Schisme as well as in the first. Who was, as we may say, the chief Promo∣trice of the Pragmatick Sanction, so holy, and to this very Day, so much regret∣ted by good People.

We have hinted how the Cardinal d'Estouteville reformed the abuses of this Bo∣dy in the Year 1452. and how Lewis XI. gave Order to John Wesel a Cordelier, to labour to banish thence those obstinate contests which were between the Realists and the Nominals; Wesel having therefore Assembled the Principal Officers and Heads of the University, with their Consent and Advice contrived an Edict, da∣ted

* 1.147 the First of March in the Year 1473. at Senlis, which forbid Teaching any more the opinions of the Nominals, and comma nded that all such Books of theirs as were in the Libraries should be chained up, lest any should come to peruse them, or transport them from that place.

There were few Learned men in France, but like Bees came out of this fruitful Hive. Amongst the Divines you have John Gerson, whom we have mentioned, who lived a long time in this Age, and retired to Lyons, where he Died in Anno 1419. The Cardinal Dailly, Peter de Versailles Bishop of Meaux, Thomas de Cour∣celles Canon of Amiens, a powerful and most admirable man for his Doctrine, but yet more valuable for his modesty, who drew divers of the Decrees of the Council of Basil; William Forteon, and Stephen de Bruslefer of the Order of St. Francis, John Siret Prior General of the Carmelites, Martin Magistri Doctor of Sorbonne, and William Chartier Bishop of Paris who was maintained in the Schools by Charles VII. And was a Good and Holy Man, and a great Clerk.

Amongst the Curious in humane Learning, I find Alain Chartier Brother of William, out of whose mouth proceeded so many good Sayings, and grave Sen∣tences, that Margaret Stuard Lewis the Dauphins Wife, finding him one Day fast asleep in a Hall where she was passing thorow with her Train, would needs do him the Honour to bestow a kiss upon him. I find one Charles Ferdinand, who being Born blind, gave himself nevertheless so much to Study, that he acquired a great deal of Reputation for his knowledge in Humane Learning, in Philosophy, and in Divinity. He took on him the Habit of St. Bennet in the Abbey de la Cou∣ture at Manse. There was likewise Judocus Badius Famous for many of his Com∣mentaries, John Bouteiller advocat in Parliament, Author of the Somme Rurale, Ro∣bert Gaguin General of the Order of the Mathurins, Library-keeper to Charles VII. and after sent on divers Embassies. John de Rely Bishop of Angers, who was Con∣fessor to Charles VIII. and harangued at the Estates of Tours for the three Orders. Octavian de Saint Gelais, of the illustrious Family of Lusignan, who was Bishop of Angoulesme, and began somewhat to Purge and Beautify our French Poetry. I may add Peter Reuclin and Picus Mirandolus without borrowing any thing from Germany or Italy, since themselves in their Writings own they had drank in that Fountain of all Arts and Sciences, our University.

Trithemius relates that in the year 1456. there came a young Spaniard thither named Ferrand de Cordule Doctor in Divinity, who astonished the whole Univer∣sity by his prodigious Learning; for he knew all Aristotle by rote, together with all the Law-Books, also Hippocrates, Gallen, the principal Commentators on all those Authors, the Greek, the Latin, the Hebrew, the Arabian, and the Caldean Languages.

Judicial Astrology, much sought into and Studied, but very little understood, was in vogue, and had great access in the Closets of King Charles VII. and Lewis the XI. Seven or Eight of their Prognosticks are to be seen concerning each of those Kings; and 'tis affirmed, but perhaps not till after the events, that they did foretel several particulars that came to pass. The most Famous of them was An∣gelo Catto, a Native of the Dutchy of Tarentum, whom Lewis XI. made Arch-Bi∣shop of Vienne. The Author of the Memoirs* 1.148 of his Life, writes, that going to King Lewis XI. who was then hearing Mass at Tours, he foretold the defeat and Death of Charles Duke of Burgundy, the very day it happened at Nancy. But if that had been true, Philip de Comines who Dedicates his Memoirs to him, would never have omitted it.

Printing was brought to Paris about the year 1470. by three Germans, Martin, Ʋlric and Michael, very able men in that new Art. In the beginning they used Characters that imitated writing Hand, then Square or Roman Letters, and some time after the Gothique or Lombard Letters, and at last they came to the Italick and Roman Character.

Physick was likewise Cultivated with more success then formerly. The Doc∣tors of that Faculty knowing that an Archer of Bagnolet very much subject to the Gravel, was condemned to Death for some Crime, Petitioned the King that he might be put into their hands to try an experiment whether they could cut him and draw forth the Stone or Calculuos matter. Their operation Succeeded very happily, and the Archer survived a long time after in good and perfect Health.

During this whole Age France did not furnish the Church with any one Cano∣nised Saint: but there were many Illustrious Prelats. The most remarkable of

those that wore the Sacred Purple, were Peter Dailly Grand Maistre of the Col∣ledge* 1.149 of Navarre, then Bishop of Cambray, John de Roquetaillade Cardinal Arch-Bishop of Rouen, Vice-Chancellor to the Pope and his Legat at Boulogne; Renold de Chartres Arch-Bishop of Reims, William d'Estouteville who was Legat in France and reformed the University, Peter de Foix Arch-Bishop of Arles who had been of the Order of St. Francis, Lewis d'Albret Bishop of Cahors, who was named the delight of the'Sacred Colledge, John Joffredy Bishop of Arras, then of Alby, John de Balue Bishop of Euvreux, and William Briconnet Bishop of St. Malo's, who all signalized themselves in the greatest affairs, the six first being of noble Parentage and rare Learning, Joffredi and la Balue of mean Birth; that Son of a Peasant, and this of a Taylor in Saintonge; the former considerable however for his Erudition, but la Balue only by his Intreagues and his Fourberies. The Car∣dinal de Foix was he that founded the Famous Colledge bearing his name at Thou∣louse, with five and twenty Bourses to maintain Scholars; We have had a very Learned Prelat from thence, whose name will be sufficiently made known to all posterity, without expressing it here.

Amongst the Bishops we may observe James and John des Ʋrsins, Brothers and Successively Arch-Bishops of Reims, Martin Gouge Son of an Inhabitant of Bour∣ges, who was Bishop of Clermont, and to ennoble himself assumed the name de Char∣pagnes; These three lived in the time of Charles VII. whose affairs Martin admi∣nistred, and held the Seals till the time of his Death, which happened in Anno 1444. Andrew Espinay Arch-Bishop of Bourdeaux, had great Credit and Employ∣ments under Lewis XI. Lewis d'Amboise Bishop of Alby, John de Rely of Angers, and Octavian de Saint Gelais of Angoulesme heretofore mentioned, were conside∣rable to Charles VIII.

The Clergy were but little vexed with Tenths during this fifteenth Age, as well for the great respect which Charles VII. had for the Church, as because things were as yet so uncertain, that the Pope who had ever raised them at discre∣tion, could no longer do it without the Kings consent, nor the King without the Popes permission or allowance, which neither of them did willingly grant to each other: However in time they found out an expedient to share the Dole be∣tween them, and strick the Ball very regularly each in his turn.

LEWIS XII, Surnamed The JUST, AND THE Father of the People.

King LVI.

Aged XXXVI Years compleat.

POPES,

• ALEXANDER 5 years du∣ring this Reign.
• PIUS III. Elected the 22th of Sep∣tember 1503. S. 26 Days.
• JULIUS II. Elected the last day of October in the year 1503. S. 9 years and 4 Months.
• LEO X. Elected the 11th of March 1513. S. 8 years and near 9 Months, whereof one year and 10 Months under this Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1498] LEwis Duke of Orleans Succeeded to Charles VIII. as being the nearest to him of the Masculine Line, and his Cousin in the third and fourth degree. His Age was ripe, his Temper very Humane, Sweet, and Just, his Prudence tried, and his Ministers honest and disinteressed. The long Imprisonment he suffered had made him more merciful, and his Adversities had taught him more wisdom. He proved the better King by having been so long a Subject; and had Learned to moderate the severities of Sovereign commands, by having undergone and felt the weight of them.

The 27th of May he was Crowned at Reims, the first of July he was Crowned at St. Denis, the day after he made his entrance into Paris; and by a Decree of the Council took the Title of King of France, and of both Sicilia's, and Duke of Milan. This Dutchy belonged to him by Right of Valentine his Grand∣father.

From the first day of his ascending the Throne, he incessantly laboured for the felicity of his People, easing them from the burthen of Imposts, and taking great care that Justice should be Administred duly to them. As to the first he

diminished the Taxes year after year, though they were already easie enough; Because he knew the Princes Exchequer to be like the Spleen, the less it is the more healthful the Body of the State does ever find it self. He did so much abhor new impositions, that wanting Money for his War in Italy, ho chose rather to expose the Offices belonging to his Revenue to Sale, then to take any thing from his People. However in length of time he found that such Venality caused those evils he would avoid; and therefore would he have taken that off again, had he survi∣ved but a year or two longer.

As to the distribution of Justice, he Created divers Companies of Judges, out of pure zeal to have it equally administred, and without any pecuniary Interest, which ever since hath been the only end of all such Creations. He setled that called the Grand Council, which had been before projected by Charles VIII. He made a Parliament for Normandy at Rouen, to whom he first gave the Title of perpetual Exehequer, and three years after he did the same for Provence in the Ci∣ty of Aix.

He made most excellent Ordinances for the abbreviating of all Process; but there happening to be some Articles that touched the Priviledges of the Uni∣versity, that great Body stirred in it with too much heat. The tumult had pro∣ceeded to a Sedition, had not the King made hast to get to Paris: His presence quelled the hottest Heads amongst them, and banish'd the Rector.

[Year of our Lord 1498] Upon his first coming to the Crown he dispatched Ambassadors to the Pope, to Venice and to Florence; and three Months after he received theirs who brought him complements and excuses. King Frederic and Duke Ludovic sent none to him, he being their declared Enemy.

From that hour divers negociations were set on foot. Those Potentates were not become much wiser for all the dangers they had undergone; they busied them∣selves more about their little particular revenge, then to preserve the common Liberty of Italy. Alexander had reconciled himself with the Ʋrsini, but he hated King Frederic to the Death, for having denied to give his Daughter to Borgia his Bastard; and the Venetians sought to ruin Ludovic, because he hindred their aggrandizing, and had a design upon the City of Pisa, which they endeavoured to appropriate to themselves. As for the Florentines they had an extraordinary pas∣sion to recover their Towns, and made a War to that end.

Thus all the three blinded by their interest, did eagerly Sollicite the Kings alliance. An occasion proffer'd it self wherein the Pope might oblige him; which was, that desiring to break his marriage with Jane Daughter of King Lewis XI. he wanted a Commission from him to take cognisance of that affair; And to ob∣tain this he gave the Dutchy of Valentinois to his Bastard, who straightway laid down his Cardinals Cap. The Pope sent him into France with a Bull which named three Judges for the Kings Tooth, these were Philip de Luxembourgh Cardinal Bi∣shop of Mans, Lewis d'Amboise Bishop of Alby, and Peter Bishop of Sente who was a Portugueze. The Bastard would have played the Sir Politique, and said, he had not brought the Bull, the King informed to the contrary gave him a sowre look, and assured him he would go forward. He was therefore forced to pro∣duce it.

He had likewise brought a Cardinals Cap for George d'Amboise Archbishop of Rouen, who managed all Affairs; In recompence the King made him Marry Charlota Daughter of Alain Lord d'Albret, and Treated a League with him, by which the new Duke* 1.150 was to serve him towards the recovery of the Milanois, and he afterwards to assist him in dispossessing all those petty Lords who detained the Cities of Romandiola.

We must observe that about Two Ages before this, when the power of the Popes was much weakned, such as were then Governours of the Towns belonging to the Holy See, had usurped the absolute Soveraignty of them, and that they might possess them with some apparent Title, had obtained the Seigneury, or Lordships thereof from the Popes, under the Title of Vicars or Lieutenants, upon condition of paying them a certain Tribute yearly: but since then had ta∣ken no care to satisfie the same, and had sometimes even taken up Arms against the Popes. The Polentines Citizens of Ravenna had usurped Ravenna and Cerviae: but the Venetians had taken them into their hands. The Malatestes had made themselves masters of Cesena but that returned again to the Holy See by the Death of Dominique the last of that Branch dying without Children. The Riari did yet hold Imola and Forli, Pandolphus Malatesti Rimini; Astor Manfrede

Faenza; John Sforza Pizaro; as the Bentivogles did Bologna, and the Baillons Perugia.

[Year of our Lord 1499] The Kings Marriage with Jane, was declared Null by the Commissioners upon cleer proof that Lewis XI. had forced him to it, though in truth he consummated it afterwards. Being at liberty he Married Anne of Bretagne Widdow of his Predecessor and his first inclinations. The Nuptials were kept the Eighteenth of January. The people of Paris who alone of all the People in France had re∣ceived much favour from Lewis XI. highly murmured that the King should repu∣diate his Daughter, and there were some scrupulous Doctors that blamed him in their Pulpits: but Jane patiently underwent that affliction, and gave her self up intirely to God, spent her days devoutly in the Nunnery of the Annunciation in the City of Bourges, where she put on the Sacred Vail.

[Year of our Lord 1499] Before he began to stir at all in the Affair of Italy, he bethought himself of securing the friendship of his Neighbours, first of the King of England, then of Ferdinand and Isabella, and afterwards of the Arch-Duke Son of Maximilian. Ferdinand and Isabella withdrew their Forces out of Italy, and rendred those places to Frederic which they held in Calabria; the Arch-Duke by the Treaty re∣cover'd his Towns of Artois, upon condition he should do Homage to the King for that County, and for that of Flanders and of Charolois. And this he really did at Arras bare-headed and un-girt, in the hands of Guy de Rochefort Chancellour of France, who was cover'd and sitting in a Chair.

[Year of our Lord 1499] There was more difficulty how to agree with Maximilian, because he was en∣gaged with Sforza, for which he had received great Sums of Money, and had al∣so sent an Army to enter the Dutchy of Burgundy: but the Count de Foix ha∣ving easily repulsed them: And Ludovic not having a stock of Riches large enough to satisfie his covetous indigence, he was soon persuaded to make a Truce for some Months.

The Florentines in the mean while, and the Venetians composed their differen∣ces by means of the Duke of Ferrara whom they chose for Arbitrator: but Lu∣dovic embroiled himself so much with the Venetians, that they made a League with the King to pluck his Feathers. They were to have for their share of the Milanois, all the Towns without the River Addo: and they imagined that they should soon have the French Kings part likewise, who would sell it, or suffer it to be lost by ill Government and their Divisions, as they had done the Kingdom of Naples. But they were mistaken in the account, and found soon afterwards, that as to the matter of Princes and Estates, the next Neighbour being ever an ene∣my, [☞] the most potent is the most dangerous.

This wretched Ludovic with all his Crast and Fineness in Politiques, had not one friend, no not so much as the Duke of Ferrara his Father in Law; he was fain to have recourse to Maximilian and to the Sultan Bajazeth; the ones assistance was slow, very costly, and not very certain, that of the other was infamous and odious.

[Year of our Lord 1499] In the Month of July the Kings Forces entered into the Milanois on the one hand, and those belonging to the Venetians on the other. In Fifteen days Ludo∣vic lost all his Countrey; the Venetians took all beyond the Addo: the French went no less swiftly on, Novarre and Alexandria defended themselves but ill and were sacked, Mortara capitulated, Pavia sent their Keys. The City of Genoa followed the Dance, the Adornes and the Fregoses being at Daggers draw who should deliver it up first; In fine, none kept their faith to Ludovic, neither the People, nor Commanders, nor Cities.

In this revolution he sent his Treasures and his Children into Germany to the Emperor Maximilian: thither he retired also himself, having first well provided the Castle of Milan. After his departure the City received the French with joy; Bernardin Curtio whom he believed to be the faithfullest of his Creatures, took Money of the King, and sold the Castle to him which was held inexpugnable. A Treachery which appeared ugly, yea even horrible to the very Purchasers, and which loaded and cloathed the seller with so much shame, that he dyed with it about Ten or Twelve days afterwards.

The King who was then at Lyons went immediately to Milan. He made his entrance in a Ducal Habit: and Sojourned about three Months in that Country. He presently took off a fourth part of their Imposts, allowed liberty of Hunt∣ing to the Nobles which they had not before, and thinking to make them more af∣fectionate to his Service, distributed a considerable part of his demeasnes amongst

them, particularly to Trivulcio, on whom he likewise bestowed the Government of all the Dutchy.

[Year of our Lord 1499] All the Princes of Italy, excepting Frederic, Congratulated his good Success; and the Florentines engaged to assist him in the Conquest of Naples, upon condi∣tion he would help them to recover Pisa again for them.

[Year of our Lord 1499] After this he was obliged to make good his word to Caesar Borgiae; he lent him Forces with which he regained the Cities of Imola and Forli. In which last was Cathrine Sforza Mother and Tutoress of the Riari, whom he led away Prisoner to Rome.

[Year of our Lord 1500. in January.] The change which happened at the same time in Milanois, retarded his pro∣gress. Ludovic lay in wait to re-enter, there were few French in the Towns, the Nobility were offended at the Pride of Trivulcio their equal, at his too great passion for the Party of the Guelphs, and that upon some hubbub he had killed some with his own hand in the open Market place; And the people were Scandalized at the Liberty the French took with their wives. Ludovic well informed of all these particulars, and having regained the affections of the Milanois, returns with fifteen Hundred men at Arms who were all Burgundians, and twelve Thousand Swisse whom he had raised with his Money, not being able to obtain any Aid of Maximilian.

Upon his Arrival the People receive him with open Arms, the City of Coma having chaced out the French. Trivulcio perceiving so sudden a change, leaves Milan in the night time, and very humbly retires to Mortara with his Cavalry. All places surrender themselves to Ludovic, excepting the Castle of Milan, and some of those which the Venetians held.

This Ebb notwithstanding did not run very low: Lewis de la Trimoville, whom the King sent with a very good Army, meets him near Novarre which had newly Surrendred. The Swisse which this unfortunate man had in his Service, being gained by those that were in the French Army, refused to give Battel, and retired [Year of our Lord 1500] into Novarre; he was forced to follow them. All that he gain'd of them, was that they promised to Guard him to some place of safety. But next day the eighth of April, he was discover'd disguised like a private Soldier in the midst of them, (perhaps themselves made signs to know him by) and sent to the King at Lyons. He caused him to be removed from thence to Loches, where he was shut up till his Death ten whole years, with a severity so unusual and contrary to the mercy of that good Prince, that it was thought to be a Visible punishment from Heaven. The Cardinal Ascagne his Brother was also delivered into the hands of the French, by the Venetians who happened to light upon him.

The Swiss upon their return home, Siezed upon the City of Bellinzonne, which shuts up the passage to the Mountains on that side; so that holding this place they could fall into Milan when ever they pleased. At first they would have parted with it for a very small matter of Money; but after they had found of what impor∣tance it was, no proffer could be so considerable as to make them let it go out of their hands.

[Year of our Lord 1500] This revolt cost the City of Milan the Heads of ten or twelve of their Chiefs, and a Sum of two hundred thousand Crowns. Upon Holy-Friday, a day of Mer∣cy, the Cardinal d'Amboise received the Amende Honorable of those People in the Town-Hall, and pardoned their Crime, in the name of the King. The other Cities were Taxed, but according to their faculties, and at such moderate Sums, that they were rather Subsidies then any punishment.

[Year of our Lord 1500] The apprehensions the King had of Maximilian, hindred his Forces from drawing out of Milanois, to go about the Conquest of Naples. Whilst he was treating to renew the Truce with him, he sent a Party of them under the conduct of the Lord de Beaumont, to subdue the City of Pisa in favour of the Florentines, and another Party commanded by Yves d'Allegre to Caesar Borgia to assist him in turning out the Vicars of Romandiola.

As for Beaumont, having been beaten off upon three assaults at Pisa, finding his Swiss Mutined, and the Florentins not very diligent in supplying him with pro∣visions, as they had engaged to do, he leaves that City at Liberty, and takes his march towards Milan.

Borgia without striking one blow drew into his Nets, the Cities of Pesaro and Rimim; Fayano maintained a Siege three times, but at the last their courage fail∣ed and it Surrendred; But this was not till the year after. The protection which

the King granted to Bentivogle, and the Florentins, kept him from laying Hands like∣wise [Year of our Lord 1500] upon Bologna and Pisa, as he had a great mind to do.

This year the 25th of February on St. Mathias day, Charles Son of Philip Arch-Duke of Austria, and of Jane of Spain Daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella came in∣to the World, and near the same time the little Prince Michael went out of it, as it were to yield up the Birth-right to him. This Michael was Son of Isabella eldest Sister of Jane and Wife of Emanuel King of Portugal, who died before her Child. The Pope gave Emanuel permission to Marry the Third, who was named Margaret.

[Year of our Lord 1500] The Centenary Jubilé ended this fourteenth Age. After it had been Celebrated at Rome, Alexander sent it into the Provinces, and made use of this Pious juncture to animate the Christian Princes to league themselves against the Turks; who in favour of Ludovic had made cruel irruptions in Friuli; Whilst the Venetians were employed in the Milan Wars, and withal had taken from them the City of Modon and Coron in Peloponese.

It seemed as if Heaven invited the Christians to this enterprize; for during the Years 1500 and 1501 all Germany and the Low-Countries saw the shapes of Crosses of all Sizes not only in the Air, but likewise on their Cloathes, especially on their Linnen, as their Shirts, Night-caps, Napkins, and Sheets. They were of a confused Colour, and most times appeared Bloody, and could not be scowred out with Soap, but vanished by lit∣tle and little. So many Authors of those Countries testifie this Prodigy, that it may be believed without too much Credulity. Nor would it be an impossible thing to deduce some reasons for it from ordinary causes; And we may boldly say that they were so disposed by the Soveraign Master of the Ʋniverse, who fore-seeth all things, that the effects which they produce, though they be purely natural, may however, when they draw our Eyes to consi∣der the singularity of them with attention forewarn us of his Holy will, or presage what is to come.

King Lewis had strength enough to have Conquer'd the Kingdom of Naples without help: And yet he was so ill advised as to share it with Ferdinand King of Arragon, and thus allowed of a Partner with him in Italy, where he was absolute Master. Ferdinand's division was Puglia and Calabria; the King had Naples, Terra del'Avoura and Abbruzzo.

Ferdinand had for a long time devoured all that Kingdom in his hopes; for he pretended that Alphonso the Great, Brother of John his Father, could not give it to Ferdinand his Bastard: but he concealed this desire of his with a profound dissi∣mulation, in so much as although he had shared in the Spoil of the unfortunate Frederic, he still made a shew as if he would assist him, thereby to have the fairer opportunity to oppress him. To this purpose he sent the great Captain to him, who under pretence of securing some places of safety for a Retreat upon occasion, made them give him two or three of their best Towns, which he detained when the Treaty with the French came to be declared.

[Year of our Lord 1501] In order to this Conquest Daubigny, the Count de Gajazza, and the Valentinois commanded the Kings Army by Land, Philip de Cleves Ravestein commanded that by Sea, which rendevouz'd at Genoa. Frederic having no aid but from Fabricia Columna Constable of the Kingdom, did make no long resistance. When the French had forced Capoua, where seven or eight Thousand Persons were Massacred, and Naples and Cajeta terrified at the cruel fate of that City had afterwards surrendred: he came to a Treaty with Daubigny and Nemours, whereby he agreed to give up all those Towns in the division made for the King within six days. They suffer'd him to keep the Island of Ischia for six Months, to retire whither he pleased, and to take away any thing out of the Castles of Naples, excepting the Cannons be∣longing to Charles VIII.

Being reduced to this condition, having no Kingdom, and his relation Ferdi∣nand having betray'd him under colour of assistance, he thought he had no other game to play but to cast himself upon the Kings mercy. He had a safe conduct given him to go into France; where he was received with much Humanity, and obtained a Pension of thirty Thousand Crowns, which was continued to him e∣ven after the French were driven again out of Naples.

In the French Army there were a great many young Princes and Lords that went Vo∣lunteers: Amongst others Lewis eldest Son of Gilbert Earl of Montpensier. It is re∣lated of him that going to pray to God over his Fathers Tomb at Puzzeoli, reflecting in

his thoughts upon the miseries he had endured, and the deplorable manner of his Death, his blood was so moved thereby that he was put into a Feaver of which he Died at Naples, thereby demonstrating that to be a false belief and observation, That Love ever de∣scends towards our Posterity, but never ascends to our Parents.

Gonsalvo on his side had as little trouble in Conquering the other part of the Kingdom. Frederic had put his Son Alphonso into Tarenta, which he thought im∣pregnable, having left the care of his Son, and of the place to the Earl of Potentianne, and Leonard Bishop of Rodes. These two Captains finding no hopes of Succours, capitulated in good time, and promised to surrender the place in four Months. Had they held it but six, the quarrel that happened between the French and Spa∣niards had saved it, and with it their young Prince. This surrender compleated the Conquest of the Kingdom. Gonsalvo had sworn to that young Prince upon the Holy Eucharist, that he would give him the liberty to retire whither soever he pleased: yet after all he detained him and sent him into Spain to Ferdinand, who in∣deed treated him with much more humanity, then he could expect after so much Treachery.

[Year of our Lord 1501] This War ended, Rauestein went with the Fleet against the Turks; King Fer∣dinand though he were entred into the League, refused to send his Ships. The want of good intelligence between the French and the Venetians, turned this expe∣dition to their great shame. The French having Attaqu'd Metelin's Capital City in the Island of the same name, lost a great number of their Brave Men there: at their return a Tempest horribly shatter'd them; and such as were forced into the Islands belonging to the Venetians, found them a more faithless and ruder Enemy than the Turks.

[Year of our Lord 1501] Above all things the King desired the Alliance of Maximilian, that he might have from him the Investiture of the Dutchy of Milan. About the end of Sep∣tember the Cardinal George d'Amboise who was called the Legate (the Pope ha∣ving given him that Commission in France) went upon that Errand to wait up∣on him in the City of Trent with a stately Equipage, his Train consisting at least of Eighteen Hundred Horse. The Emperor demanded with great instance the freedome and release of the Sforza's; he agreed to that of the Cardinal Ascagnia, and had his word reciprocally for a prolongation of the Truce, and the Investi∣ture, but which should be only for the Kings Daughters, not for the Sons.

[Year of our Lord 1501] He made this exception, because he ardently desired to have the Kings Eldest Daughter, and that Dutchy in Dowry for Charles his Grand Son. The Arch-Dukes Ambassadors being come to the King at Lyons, that Marriage was agreed upon the Tenth of August, it was again confirmed by the Arch-Duke and Jane of Castille his Wife in the Month of November in their passage thorough France into Spain.

They were magnificently received at Paris; the Arch-Duke took his Seat in Parliament in quality of Pair of France. The King and Queen entertained them at Blois Fifteen days together, and caused them to be conducted to the Frontiers with all imaginable honour, even with the power of granting Pardon in every City they passed thorough.

[Year of our Lord 1502] The limits for the division of the Kingdom of Naples had not been well ex∣press'd, there soon arose a Debate for the Country called Capitanata,* 1.151 of very great importance, because of the Toll for Cattle which were brought thither to Graze in Winter; the French would have it to be a part of Abbruzo, the Spani∣ards of Puglia. From words they proceeded to blows, the Spaniards more haughty, although the weaker, began the brawl in several places. The two Generals, the Duke of Nemours and Gongales conferring together concluded a Cessation to bring the controversie to an amicable composure: but the Spaniards soon broke it again by divers Acts of Hostility. In so much as the King, who was then at Ast, sent to the Duke of Nemours a command to make down-right War upon them, since they had already violated the Peace two se∣veral times.

He was gotten into Italy to endeavour and take care for the preservation of his Dutchy of Milan, and the Florentins his Allies, and suppress the horrible Tyran∣nies of Coesar Borgia, called the Duke of Valentinois. For as to the former Maxi∣milian had broke the Truce, the Swiss threatned him with an irruption into the Milanois, unless they might have Bellinzzone setled upon them, which was already in their hands, and the Venetians did openly enough show their hatred against him.

And for the latter, there was a League made betwixt the Vitellozzi, the Ʋrsini, John Paul Baillon, and Pandolphus Petrucci, to restore Peter de Medicis, to the Signory of Florence; as for Coesar Borgia, he brought all the Petty Princes of Italy into dispair, not sparing the King of France's Allies.

[Year of our Lord 1502] From all parts there came complaints to the King, of the violent proceeding and enormous Treacheries of that Man: nevertheless being as politique as wick∣ed, he knew how to appease his anger, by constraining Vitellozzi with grievous Menaces to Surrender up the Towns to the Florentins, and by this means gained so great Credit and Interest at Court, that the King believing him a very necessa∣ry instrument for his Affairs, renewed the Alliance with Alexander VI. which drew the hatred of all Italy upon him, and perhaps the Curse of God; with [✚] whom it is impossible to be well whilst we joyn in Society with the wicked.

Whilst he was in Lombardy, the Genoese invited him to honour their City with his Presence. He made his entrance in great Pomp the Six and Twentieth of Au∣gust, and after he had tarried there Ten days returned into France.

The War in Naples and settlement of that Conquest, which seemed almost perfected, required him not to have left Italy so soon: but he relied on the Truce which he thought was certainly consented to by Maximilian, though in∣deed it was not concluded.

In a short time the Spaniards were driven almost out of all the places of Capita∣nata, Puglia, and Calabria, and Goncales found himself shut up in Barletta without Provisions or Ammunition. The War had been at an end if the Venetians had not speedily furnished him, or if d'Aubigny had been believed; he would have brought the whole Army to have forced him there: but the Duke of Nemours divided them most unluckily into several bodies to besiege the other Towns; and in the mean while Gonsales wisely timing his Affairs, recovered himself.

[Year of our Lord 1503] The Arch▪Duke with his Wife repassed thorow France, conferred with the King at Lyons, and treated an accommodation touching the business of Naples, by which it was agreed; that Charles the Son of Philip, but one year old, should be Married to Claude the Kings eldest Daughter, which Queen Anne very passion∣ately desired: that for her Dowry she should have the Kingdom of Naples; that in the mean time the Kings should enjoy their Divisions, and that the Country which was in Debate should be Sequestred in the hands of the Arch-Duke. The Ambassadors from Ferdinand his Father in Law, whom he brought with him, and [Year of our Lord 1503] who were fully impowred, Signed this Treaty and swore to it, submitting them∣selves to Excommunication in case it were violated; the Heraulds proclaimed it, and the two Princes sent notice of it to their Generals. The Duke of Nemours obey'd: but Gonsales refused to submit to it, unless he had an express Order from Ferdinand.

A reinforcement of two Thousand Germans which he had newly received from Maximilian, the assurance he had that the Pope and the Venetians declined the Kings interest, and the Information given him that four thousand French which were set on Shore at Genoa, had disbanded by the failure of the Treasurers, who be∣lieving the Peace was concluded had kept back their Pay, raised his courage, and he assured himself of being owned, provided his success deserved it.

Till then the French had the advantage, but fortune turned her back upon them on a suddain, the King neglecting to make the necessary provision, relying upon the Arch-Dukes faith, and the Spaniards recruiting his Forces during this mock-Peace. Besides all this the rashness of the French Generals who imprudently en∣gaged the Enemy, and fought with more of fury then conduct, lost all; d'Au∣bigny who ought to have drawn things out in length, and waited the French Sup∣plies, made hast to fight the body of their Army Commanded by Hugh de Cardon∣na, Emanuel de Benavide, and Antonio de Leva. This was on the one and twentieth [Year of our Lord 1503] of April near Seminara in Calabria; and in the same place where a few years before he gained a memorable Victory, he now met a contrary fate.

His defeat did in some manner oblige the Duke of Nemours to try his fortune, and endeavour to vanquish Gonsalvo before this General should be joyned with the victorious Army. He fought him near Cerignoles in Puglia the eight and twenti∣eth of the same Month, and had yet more misfortune then d'Aubigny, for he was slain upon the place: and d'Aubigny had made his escape to Angitola. 'Tis true he was immediately besieged there, and in few days forc'd to capitulate, and agree that all his Men should quit that Kingdom, himself remaining a hostage till that were fully performed.

After this Gonsales had nothing that could hinder him from going whither he would. Naples open'd her Gates to him the thirteenth of May, and received him with acclamations of Joy, the French Soldiers that were there retiring into the Ca∣stles. The Cities of Capoua and Aversa followed the example of Naples. Amidst this grand revolution, the constant fidelity of Peter Caracciole Duke of Malfy, deserved singular commendation; he refused all the advantageous conditions which Gonsales proffer'd him, and chose rather to lose all his Lands, and go out of that Kingdom with his Wife and Children, then to be wanting in his Faith to the French.

The Chasteau Neuf, or New-Castle did not hold out long, Peter de Navarre ha∣ving made a breach by springing of a Mine, the Garison was so astonished at this unknown new-thunder which burst out of the Earth, that they surren∣dred [Year of our Lord 1503] upon composition, a Day before the Arrival of the Kings Navy, which brought two Thousand men, and a great quantity of all sorts of provisions. The Castle del'Ovo held three Weeks longer, and was likewise taken by the same in∣vention.

You may therefore observe that in this War Peter de Navarre a Soldier of Fortune, bearing the name of his own Country, taught them the way of filling a Mine with Gun-Powder, to blow up their Walls, whether of his own invention, or rather he bringing it to greater perfection. For it was said that he had seen it practised by the Genoese at Sera∣zenella, when they besieged it upon the Florentins in the year 1487. where the Mine having only crackt the Wall, because it was not deep enough, nor enough charged, they had laid aside this invention as of little use or effect: But that he having observed their mistakes, and the cause why it miscarried, corrected them and had found the way to make them very useful.

There yet remained several places in possession of the French, as Aquilea, and the Rock of Evander, some others in Abruzzo, and Venouza in Puglia, where the brave Lewis d'Ars and the Duke of Malfy had put themselves in after the Battel of Cerignoles. Also Rossana, Matelona, Sanseverina, and two or three other Cities belonging to the Lords of the Angevin Faction; still held for the Party: And as the Battel of Cerignoles was rather a rout then a defeat, Yves d'Alegre had carried off four thousand Foot, and four hundred Men at Arms, whom he had quartered about Cajeta to refresh themselves.

This place being strong and withal a Sea-Port to receive Succours from France, Gonsales went and laid Siege before it to shut up that back door: d'Alegre immedi∣ately put in all the men he had left him, and defended himself well enough till the Arrival of the French Army.

The Arch-Duke at his parting from Lyons was gone to visit the Duke of Sa∣voy his Brother in Law. He was not afraid upon the receipt of all this news to return to the King at Blois: This was a great Testimony of his good conscience and integrity, or a very bold and confident dissimulation. He omitted nothing that might seem to justify him, sent away immediately to Gonsales, and wrote earnestly to his Father in Law. In fine, he demeaned himself so fairly, that the King believed he acted with sincerity, and prayed him not to apprehend that he would tax him with it, For if his Father in Law had committed a piece of Treachery, he would in no wise act like him, but would rather a Kingdom should be lost, which he was able to regain, then to lose his honour which can never be retrieved.

[Year of our Lord 1503] In the mean time Ferdinand would not yet clearly discover his intentions to his Son in Law: he designed to hold him in suspence that he might hold the King so too, lest he should make hast to relieve the Castles of Naples and Cajeta which still held out. But when Philip had made known to him by a Courier that he should not leave the Court of France till he had fully satisfied the King in this matter, he sent ambassadors thither who diowned his proceedings, as having ex∣ceeded his Commission (which however was not true). And after this thinking to gain time by new Forberies, they made a new proposition, which was to sur∣render the Kingdom to Frederic: but the King would hear nothing from a Prince in whom there was no Faith, and commanded them to depart the Kingdom. As for the Arch-Duke, he treated him still civilly, and suffered him to return in∣to Flanders.

[Year of our Lord 1503] That this affront might not rest upon France, the King had resolved to shock Ferdinand with all his might and power; And to this purpose he set four Armies

on Foot, three at Land, and one for the Sea. The greatest of the Land Armies commanded by la Trimoville, and composed of eighteen thousand Foot, and near two thousand Men at Arms, were to recover the Kingdom of Naples; and the other three to attack Spain. The first commanded by the Lord d'Abret and the Ma∣reschal de Gie were to make an irruption towards Fontarabia; this consisted of five thousand Foot, Swiss, and French, and about one thousand Men at Arms. The second conducted by the Mareschal de Rieux almost twice that number, had order to enter by Roussillon. The third was a Naval Army who at the same time were to scower the Coasts of Catalongne, and of the Kingdom of Valentia, and take care that nothing should be convey'd from Spain to the Kingdom of Naples.

[Year of our Lord 1503] La Trimoville who was upon the march with his Forces moved slowly; for most part of the Italian Lords that had taken money of the King to furnish him with men at Arms failed him, only the Florentins helped him to two hundred. Besides there was no secure passing them at Rome without an agreement with his Holy∣ness, who being diversly influenced by the ambition of his Son, and his own ap∣prehensions, had much ado to come to a resolution. He at last declared he would be Neuter, and that both the Kings should have liberty to pass thorow his Countries and raise men there, though they knew him to be a Spaniard by inclina∣tion as well as by Birth, and that under-hand he favoured Gonsales in all he could.

[Year of our Lord 1503] When the French Forces were in the Territories of Sienna, la Trimoville was Siezed with a Malady which put him out of the condition of L••ading them. He being disabled, the King gave that command to Charles de Gonzaguez Marquiss of Mantoua, whose Faith seemed so weakly founded, being a reconciled Enemy, that the King himself had forbid the Florentins but the year before to take him for their General. When they were near Rome, the Death of Pope Alexander hap∣pened by a strange accident, but which deservedly deprived him of his Life, and over-turned the vast designs of his Son.

This Bastard having a desire to enjoy the spoil of Cardinal Adrian Cornet, had made an appointment with the Pope to go and Sup with him in his Vine-yard * 1.152, and had caused some Bottles of exquisite Wine to be brought thither, but which were mixed and prepared to poyson their Host. Now it hapned that the Father and the Son being Arrived very early, and very thirsty, by reason of the heat of the Season, asked for some drink, and whilst the Servant who was privy to the se∣cret was gone out of the way, another Valet gave them some of that same Wine. The Father who drank of it pure, died the very same day, which was the Seven∣teenth of August, the Son who was more vigorous and had mingled it with water, had time to make use of remedies, and being wrapped up in the belly of a Mule recovered: but such a languishment remained upon him as would not suffer him to act when his affairs most required it.

[Year of our Lord 1503] This death, not in it self, but by accident, was very pernicious to the business of Naples. The Cardinal d'Amboise who was at Milan, being come with great speed to Rome for the Election of another Pope, conceived a design of getting it himself, and finding that the City of Rome was in great trouble and full of Soldi∣ers, because of the Faction of the Ʋrsini, who would be revenged on the Duke of Valentinois, and that of the Collonnas who protected him, he thought he might make use of the Kings Forces, and staid them some time near that place: but by the same means he imposed upon the Sacred Colledge the necessity of Electing him to the Popedom, which he desired more for the Kings sake then his own. Now Julian de la Rovere Cardinal of St. Peter's had the same ambition as the other: but not being able to compass his own Election by reason of the Vicinity of the French Army, and the Tumults that were in Rome, he had so much craft as to persuade him that he ought not to suffer those Forces to approach nearer then with∣in six Leagues of Rome.

The Colledge being at Liberty Elected Francis Picolomini Nephew of Pius II. who took the same name as his Uncle. This Pope was in a Dying condition and could not survive above two or three Months at most: So that the Cardinal de la Rovere had only as we may say deposited the Papacy in his hands, being assured he could not fail to have it after his Death. And notwithstanding he made the Cardinal de Amboise believe, that it should be infallibly for him, that so might he cause his Forces to March.

The new Pope in effect lived but six and twenty days: But it was for the advan∣tage of the Cardinal de Rovere; For the Cardinals, the very same Evening they en∣tred

in Conclave, named him almost all with one Voice, so well had he persuaded them that he would restore the honour of the Holy See, and the Liber∣ty of Italy.

[Year of our Lord 1503] As for the Bastard Borgia, these are in short his adventures. Ʋnder the Papacy of Pius III. he was like to have had his Brains beaten out by the Ursini and the Colon∣nas, who were reconciled to fall upon him; hardly did he make his escape into the Castle St. Angelo. The King of France had taken him into his protection, which gave occa∣sion to the Ursini who had received money of him, to fall off, and treacherously side with the Spanish Party. In recompence this perfidious man breaks his faith with his Protector, and did likewise make an agreement with his Enemies. But his alliance brought them no great advantage; For immediately Perugia, Piombino, Urbin, Pezaro, Camerino, Senigalia, which he had invaded, returned to their Lords; Those of Romandiola, persevered in his obedience, till news was brought them, that he was hid in the Castle St. Angelo, de∣nuded of Forces and Friends. Then some of them rendred themselves to the Pope, and others to the Venetians.

He had four places left yet which he offer'd to confide in the hands of Pope Julius, who at first shewing himself very generous, would not accept of them, and suffer'd him to retire whither he pleased: but having afterwards bethought himself, he sent and caused him to be dragg'd out of a Galley at Ostia where he was Embarqu'd, and detained him in Prison, till he had got those places out of his hands. Then he allowed him to go to Gonsales, who having kindly received him sent him however into Spain, where he was confined to a per∣petual Imprisonment. He made his escape thence about three years end, and took refuge under John d'Albret King of Navarre, his wives Brother: And in fine, Anno 1516. he was slain in a Fight or rencounter by a private Gentdarme who knew him not.

[Year of our Lord 1503] The first exploits of the Marquiss of Montoua substituted in the place of la Tri∣moville, was prosperous enough. He made a Bridge over the Gariglian, and un∣der the favour of his Cannon passed his Army in sight of Gonsales who had bragg'd that he would hinder them. But the very same day the French Captains conceived some mistrust of his conduct, because it seemed to them he spared the Enemies, when if he had follow'd his blow he had utterly defeated them, and had regain∣ed the whole Kingdom. There were some likewise that accused him of holding secret intelligence with the Spaniards; for which reasons finding himself to be sus∣pected, he feigned Sickness to have an opportunity to withdraw. He took with him a good part of the Italian Cavalry, all the remainder that were of that Coun∣try dispersed, or went to serve the Enemy.

[Year of our Lord 1503] After his departure the French conferr'd the command upon the Marquiss de Sa∣lusses. Gonsales being encamped on a Moorish ground, called otherwhile Palus Minturniae, within a League of their Bridge, put them to a full stop, and made them pass their Winter in very cold and untenentable Lodgings.

The inconveniencies of the Season almost ruined their Army, and the sharkings of the Commissaries to whom the ruin of Armies is profitable, compleated it. The best of their Officers died of Sickness, and on the contrary the Enemies en∣creased their numbers by the additions of the Ʋrsini. The Marquiss under∣standing they had passed the Gariglian to come and attack him, he retreated to Cajeta.

[Year of our Lord 1504] Gonsales besieged him immediately; the Marquiss finding a Horrible Famine would sooner be with him, then any relief, made his capitulation the first Day of the year 1504. It imported that the Soldiers might go free away either by Sea or Land, and that all Prisoners should be deliver'd up without Ransom. Gonsales interpreting this in his own Sence and Mode, excluded such as belonged to the Kingdom of Naples. Lewis d'Ars would not be comprehended in this Treaty, but retreated with Trumpets sounding and Colours flying quite through all Italy.

The cause of these Misfortunes was laid at the Doors of the Financiers, John Heroet Intendant of the Finances, was condemned to Banishment, with so much the greater Justice, as being in the King's Favour, he nevertheless had a greater Love for Money, (which is the real, and only true Soveraign of those people) then for the Honour of so good a Master.

The three Armies which Lewis had sent against Spain, put him only to expen∣ces without any Progress. The Naval one scowred the Coast of Castille and Va∣lentia, then retired to Marseille; and for the two Land ones, that which was

commanded by Alain d'Albret and the Mareschal de Gie, only saluted the Walls of Fontarabia, then disbanded thorough the Contests of the two Chiefs, and perhaps out of the little affection the Lord d'Albret had for the King's Service, by reason of the Differences formerly between them in Bretagne, when they courted the Dutchess Anne; such as remained went to joyn the third which be∣sieged Salses. These having batter'd the Place forty Days together, King Ferdinand arrives with thirty thousand Men, which made them raise their Siege.

After this there was a Truce between the two Kings, as to their Countries of France and Spain, by the mediation of Frederic. Ferdinand made him believe that he was ready to restore the Kingdom to him, if Lewis would consent, and propounded to bestow his Sister in Marriage upon Alphonso: she was Widdow of Ferdinand the Young, King of Naples.

[Year of our Lord 1504] The Kings discontent and trouble for so much ill success, for the loss of his repu∣tation, and for his not being able to detect and unravel all these Spanish Fourbes and Intrigues, were so great as cast him into a fit of Sickness which brought him to extremity. The Queen believing him dead, thought of retiring her self into Bretagne, and sent away her Equipage. The Mareschal de Gie having stopt it incurr'd her indignation; she could never forgive this in him, who was born her Subject, and prosecuted him Criminally with that heat, that the King was for∣ced to send his Process to the Parliament of Toulouze, as the most severe in the Kingdom, where notwithstanding they could find no Colour to condemn him to any other Punishment, but to be banished from Court.

The Spaniard using still the same Artisices, had sent his Ambassadors into France together with those of the Arch-Duke his Son to Treat of a Peace. But as they offer'd nothing that was satisfactory, they were dismissed: and the King made an Alliance with the Emperor, and with the Arch-Duke.

By this Treaty they confirmed the Marriage of his eldest Daughter, or of the Second, in case the Elder died, with Prince Charles; which he caused to be sign∣ed by Francis de Valois, his presumptive Successor to the Crown, and other Prin∣ces of the Blood, and Grandees of the Kingdom. The Emperor gave him the investiture of the Dutchy of Milan, for him and for his Children, as well Males, if he had any, as his two Daughters, provided he paid 120000 Florins payable in two Six Months, a pair of Gold Spurs every Christmas-day, and an assistance of five hundred Lances, when the Emperor should go to take the Imperial Crown at Rome.

[Year of our Lord 1504] About this time hapned the death of Frederic King of Naples, who was now fully undeceived of the fraudulent hopes given him by Ferdinand; and shortly af∣ter towards the end of the Year, hapned that of Isabella Wife of Ferdinand, a great and generous Princess; and indeed the Spaniards lift her above all other Heroines.

[Year of our Lord 1505] Her death changed the Interests of all Princes. The Power of the Arch-Duke being augmented by the Kingdom of Castille, and the Alliance of Henry King of England, whose eldest Son Arthur had married his Sister Catharine, began to cre∣ate some fears in Lewis, some confidence in Maximilian, and some kind of jea∣lousy in Ferdinand himself, who perceived that his Son-in-law would not leave the Administration of Castille to him, as Isabella had ordained by her Testa∣ment.

By these motives the King and he made Peace, which they fastned with some Ties. Ferdinand married Germain Daughter of John de Foix Vicount of Nar∣bonne, and of Mary the King's Sister, who gave him his share of the Kingdom of Naples in Dowry, upon condition it should all fall to her Husband if she died the first, but should return to the King if she survived, and brought no Chil∣dren.

[Year of our Lord 1505] Those banished from Naples, and the Gentlemen of the Angevin Faction, were restored to their own, the Queen Widdow of Frederic went out of France, and retired to Alphonso Duke of Ferara her Relation.

[Year of our Lord 1506] This hindred not Philip from passing into Spain with his Wife. The Castil∣lans soon flocked to this Young Prince, Handsome, Liberal, and who had marri∣ed their Soveraign; Ferdinand was forced to give way to him, and to go out of Castille, never to return so long as Philip lived. Very happy yet, that he left him the Indies and the Kingdom of Naples; whither he made haste, because Gonsales would have put it into the Hands of Philip, finding he could not usurp it for himself, as he could heartily have desired.

[Year of our Lord 1506] The Great Lords of France, and other most notable Persons, having consi∣dered the Inconveniencies that would flow from the Marriage of the King's El∣dest Daughter, with Charles of Austria, assembled of their own proper mouve∣ment, as they said, in the City of Tours where the King was, and intreated him to give her to Francis Duke of Valois his presumptive Heir, which he granted them forthwith, and they contracted the two Parties the eight and twentieth day of May. A fresh Affront which Maximilian might add in his Red-Book, where he wrote down all those Injuries the French had done him: Like such as lay aside a great many Wares, but can never find Money to pay or fetch them away.

The following Month he sent to Summon the King, to perform what he had promised by the Treaty, which was to restore the banished Milanese, the fifty thousand Florins for the Investiture, the five hundred Lances to attend him into Italy, whither he desired to go to take the Imperial Crown. The King satisfied him in all things, excepting the Payment, which was not yet due: but under∣hand he supported the Duke of Guelders against the Arch-Duke, and put some jealousy into the Heads of the Pope and the Venetians; insomuch as they prayed the Emperor not to enter into Italy with an Army.

The Pope having discover'd the Genius, and the Conduct of these Princes, being Proud and Presumptuous, believed himself to be above them all in Under∣standing, as well as in Dignity; that therefore he could awe them with a Nod, lead them as he pleased, and in the end destroying them by one another, drive them both out of Italy, and govern alone himself; And they on their Parts were weak enough to believe they could do nothing without him, and so by their fears encreased his Power.

He made the King set a great Value upon the Power he gave him, to dispose of the Benefices in Milanois, and the two Cardinals Caps, the one for the Ne∣phew of the Cardinal d'Amboise, the other for la Trimovilles: and therefore for this, he in return obtained that the King should employ his Forces to recover Bo∣logna for him out of the Hands of John Bentivoglio. This Lord finding himself assaulted by him who had ever been his Protector, intreated him at least to inter∣ceed with his Holyness, that he might have the liberty to go out of the Town, [Year of our Lord 1506] and carry his Goods along with him.

Julius did not seem to be a jot the better pleased with the French, but on the contrary he despised the King and the Nation, though he had very great obliga∣tions to them besides. For in the time of Pope Alexander his Capital Enemy, he found his Refuge in France, and a great deal of kindness from Lewis six years to∣gether: but far from bearing in mind so many Favors, this good Prelate, when his Brain was pretty well warmed with Wine, it evaporated in Discourses injurious both to the King and Kingdom of France. The King and Courtiers were not wanting in their returns by reparties, so much the more picquant as they were Ingenious, and which left their tormenting Stings in his haughty and implacable Soul.

[Year of our Lord 1507] The first important Occasion wherein they perceived his hatred, was, about the Affairs of Genoa, where his Emissaries by their contrivance, turned a Com∣motion which hapned betwixt the Nobility and the People, into a down-right re∣volt against the King. The mutinous Rabble being at perpetual Discord with the very insolent Nobless, chose eight Tribunes, under whose Authority they took those Places, which Lewis de Fiesque held along the River, and far from restoring them as the King commanded, besieged Monaco, so that Ravestein not thinking himself secure at Genoa went thence, and then they Elected a Duke, who was only a simple Dyer, named Paul de Nova.

The Pope had omitted no under-hand Devices to excite this Rebellion. The Emperor on his Part had blown up this Flame as much as it was possible; and yet both the one and the other left these Wretches in the Perils they had drawn them to. They had raised a Fort to defend the Passage into the Mountains which surrounds their City, and had posted themselves near it with all their Militia. The King presenting himself with twenty thousand fighting Men, Master'd it at the first Assault, and put their Army to a Rout; which astonished them so much, that they brought him the Keys of their Town without any Com∣position.

[Year of our Lord 1507] Two days after, which was the twenty ninth of April, he made his Entrance in Arms, having his Back and Breast-piece on, his Sword drawn in his Hand, all

the People crying out for Pardon and Mercy, and the Women and Children cloathed in White, casting themselves down at his Feet. Their Crime was ex∣piated only by the Blood of Demetrius Justinian, of Paul de Nova, and a fine of three hundred thousand Ducats, which was laid out in building of Castles to bridle them. The King's Clemency pardoned all the rest, and made them ex∣periment the truth of that Devise, which he had on his Coat of Armour the Day he made his Entrance. It was a King of the Bees surrounded with his Swarm, with these apt Words: Non utitur aculeo Rex cui paremus.

[Year of our Lord 1507] It would have been facile for him, with a Victorious Army, and in the asto∣nishment it gave to all Italy, to have made a mighty Progress which way soever he would have turned his Sword: but he was so fearful of displeasing the Pope, and of drawing the Innundation of all Germany upon Milanois, very much exas∣perated against him by some Speeches of Maximilians in their Diet, that to avoid all jealousy, both in the one and other, that he designed any Enter∣prize, he disbanded his Forces; He had likewise returned immediately into France, had he not waited for King Ferdinand, who desired to confer with him.

The Arch-Duke Philip died in the five and twentieth of September in the fore∣going Year, being eight and twenty years old. By his Testament he left Charles his eldest Son under the Protection of King Lewis, and desired him to take the Guardianship; which he generously did, and had so great and particular a care of his Education, assigning him Philip de Crovi-Chevres a most ingenious Lord, for his Governor, that he made him much more able and knowing, then consisted with the benefit of France.

Jane de Castille his Wife, who before had her Mind a little discomposed, was so concerned at his Death, that she lost all her Wits and Reason; she being therefore uncapable to Govern, Ferdinand parted from Naples, where he had been to take Possession, to come and administer the Kingdoms of his Grand-Son.

In his Passage he conferr'd with the King at Savonna; each of them treated the other with all imaginable Honour, and Token of reciprocal Affection. King Lewis went first to visit Ferdinand in his Galley, Ferdinand came to see him in his House, putting themselves thus into one anothers Power without any precau∣tion. They Swear upon the most Holy Sacrament to keep the Peace: but the Event made it apparent, that on Ferdinand's Side it was but feigned; he stood no longer in need of the Friendship of Lewis; the jealousy of the Arch-Duke which had before troubled him was now vanisht with his Life.

The German Princes were much heated in the Diet of Constance against the King: they were made to believe that he dispised them, and that the Army he had Marched over the Mountains to Chastize the Genoese, were to invade all Italy. In this beliefe they had promised the Emperor to set a Potent Army on Foot: but when Intelligence came that he had Disbanded his, they grew Cool on the suddain, and refused to furnish the Soldiers they had promised.

Upon the Report of their great Preparations for War, the King, the Pope, the Swisse, though otherwise Enemies amongst themselves, re-united to hinder the Emperor from coming into Italy. And in effect, when he would have pas∣sed [Year of our Lord 1508] along the Valley of Trent, with five or six thousand Men, a very small Ap∣pareil for so much Noise as he had made, the Venetians shut up the Passage against him. He was very much disgusted and enraged, but more yet when Bartholomew d'Alviane their General, having defeated some of his Troops, was received into their City in Triumph.

It was enough for them to have stopt his Army, after that they agreed to a Truce with him for a Year. The King was extreamly offended that they had done it without his participation, and that they had excluded the Duke of Guel∣ders; and this Affront made up the measure of fifteen or twenty others he had received. The Pope, the Emperor and Ferdinand hated them no less for different Causes, and particularly because they had encroached upon each of their Terri∣tories: but it was very difficult to get all these Princes, who had such different Interests, to enter into the same League.

Truly there was neither Security, nor Advantage for King Lewis, to associate either with Ferdinand and Maximilian, who had ever been, and could not but always be his Enemies, nor with the Pope, who mortally hated the French Nati∣on, and who besides had the ambitious thoughts in his Head of over ruling all

Italy. There was no Amity nor Confederation that he could trust to but the Venc∣tians; And there were none but they that would suffer him to be in those Coun∣tries, provided he attempted nothing against them, and would let them enjoy their Usurpations. Nevertheless when he proposed this in his Councel, with∣out whose Advice he never resolved on any thing, all those that were there pre∣sent shaping their Opinions, so as to make them suit with the hatred* 1.153 he had declared against the Venetians, rather then grounding them on the Reasons of sound and good Politicks, were of a contrary Opinion. There was none but Stephen Poncher Bishop of Paris, who not able to make his Fidelity stoop to that unfaithful complaisance, argued vehemently and rationally that France could not have better Confederates in Italy than they, and that the Society of all the rest was ruinous and destructive.

The Advice of the Multitude, and Passion of the King, which would have been very just in a private Person, made him commit that over-sight, to joyn and clubb with his most Mortal Enemies, for the ruin of the Venetians by the Treaty of Cambray.

Thither under Colour of accommodating the Differences between Charles the Emperors Grand-son and the Duke of Guelders, came first Margaret Wid∣dow, Dutchess of Savoy, and Sister of the defunct Arch-Duke, and the Cardinal d'Amboise; then the Spanish Ambassador arrived as Mediator, to whom the other two did not communicate the main Secret, till they had agreed upon all that was betwixt them, because they suspected Ferdinand. They concluded then, to make War upon them inseparably to recover those Lands they detained from them: That the Pope should admonish them, upon pain of Excommunication, to restore them, and that the Emperor should give the King the Investiture of the Dutchy of Milan pure and simply for him, for Francis Duke of Valois, and for all their de∣scendants.

The Spanish Ambassador would not Sign till he had a New Order from his Master, nor the Pope neither till the Venetians should have refused (so much their good Fortune had blinded them) to give him up Facnza and Rimini, for which he would have abandon'd all the rest.

[Year of our Lord 1509] Nothing appeared of all the Treaty, but the Confirmation of the Peace be∣tween the Princes, and this League was held so secret, that the Venetians came to the knowledg of it sooner by the Effects, then by information or other dis∣covery. Those People before so insolent and daring, were greatly astonish'd when they found at the same Time, the King on the other side the Mountains with forty thousand Combatants, beginning a War upon them, and the Pope thundring them with his excommunications, which makes mighty impressions up∣on Peoples Hearts, when they are sharpned and seconded by the terror of an Enemies Sword.

The King having passed the River Addo, pursued their Army so close that he fought them the fourteenth day of May, and gained that memorable Battle de la Giera d'Adde, neer the Village d'Aignadel, within four Miles of Caravaz. All their Infantry were cut off, and their General Alviane having lost an Eye, was made Prisoner.

In fifteen days time the Kings, without scarce striking a Blow, conquer'd all the Places they detained from him. He might also have taken Vicenza, Padoua, Verona, Treviso, and all those that belonged to the Empire, or to the House of Austria, had he not had more Justice than Ambition lodg'd in his Heart. He sent back the Deputies of all those Cities, who brought him their Keys, to the Emperor, who took them into his Obedience, and sent in some Garri∣sons.

The Pope had sent an Army of ten or twelve thousand Men into Romagnia, it was commanded by the Cardinal de Pavia, by Francis Maria de la Rovere Son of his Holinesses Brother, and by the Duke of Ferrara, this having the Ti∣tle of Gonfalonnier of the Church, and the other of Duke of Ʋrbin, by the adop∣tion of Guido-balde de Montfeltre Brother to his Mother. King Ferdinand had only a Small Navy in the Golse, and watched to make his Advantage, as he did of the Labour and expence of the French.

[Year of our Lord 1509] Now the Loss only of the Battle of Aignadel, put the Signoria of Venice into such a consternation, that dispairing of being able to keep any thing in the Ter∣ra Firma, they resolved to shut themselves up close in the Islands of their Gulf; and in this dispair, commanded the Governers of all Places that belonged to the

Pope, or to Ferdinand, to open the Gates to them, and recalled their Magistrates from Verona, Padua, Vicenza and others upon which the Emperor had any Pre∣tensions. Thus those three Potentates by the Valor of the French, rather then by their own Strength, recover'd all that had been usurped by the Venetians; and the Ambition of that Republick, because they had not bounded it, saw their Signory contracted in a Moment, within the very Shoars of their Canal. I have read likewise in the Memoires of those Times, that the King drawing his Ar∣my neer, caused some Vollies of Random Cannon-Shot to be made against the City of Venice.

However it were, thinking he had done all, he retired to Milan, and sent the Cardinal d'Amboise to the Emperor, who having made him wait a long while, and having consumed all the Money he had scraped together in his Hereditary Estates, and amongst the People of the Low-Countries in superfluous Expences, was with much ado got thither upon the earnest Sollicitations of the Pope, who desired to have him in Italy to Counter-ballance the Power of the King. He as∣signed him a day whereon he was to be at Guardia, which is on the Confines of the Valley of Trent and Milanois, to discourse with the King: but because in the mean Time the Inhabitants of Treviso had denied Entrance to a Governor whom he sent thither, and set up the Venetian Colours, he made his Excuse upon this fresh Accident, that he could not be at the Rendezvous.

This resistance of Treviso, made the Venetians find they had with too much hast abandoned what they possessed in the Terra Firma. This grain of Hope and Comfort dispell'd their fear, Maximilian's slowness gave them time to take breath, and their Courage began to rouze after they had by repeated Supplicati∣ons, the meanest and most abject that can be imagined, mollified the Pope so much as to admit and hear their Ambassadors, whatever Instance or Arguments the Emperors and the Kings could urge to the contrary. But nothing was so favou∣rable to the Recovery of their Affairs, and to the Ruine of the Emperor, as the Kings departure, who notwithstanding promised to assist him with five hundred Men at Arms: for whilst he neglected to take Order for the preserving his Pla∣ces, and minded not to gain the Affection of the People, nor Curb and keep them in Awe by strong Garrisons, they had partly per-force, partly by Surprize, regained the most important City of Padua; This was about the time the King returned into France.

[Year of our Lord 1509] The Emperor who had none but vast Designs, had projected to besiege Venice, and crush that Republick in the very Head: but this was neither the Popes nor the Kings intention; but by delaying it too long, he had not the opportunity to do it, the King and Ferdinand having called home their Naval Forces. Besides it concerned his Reputation to recover Padua, in which the Confederates, but particularly the French assisted him pursuant to the Treaty of Cambray. He laid Siege to it with six and thirty thousand Foot, 1800. Men at Arms, and a thou∣sand light-Horse: but there were in the Town twelve thousand Foot, two thou∣sand Horse, two hundred Sons of Noble Venetians Volunteers, every one of them resolved to be buried in a City, the preservation or loss whereof decided the Fate of the Republick. And indeed they defended themselves so bravely that the Em∣peror decamped the seventeenth day of the Siege, and having disbanded almost all his Troops, retired greatly inraged with the Confederates.

Nevertheless a more strict Alliance between the King and him, was again ce∣mented, he wanting his Assistance to get satisfaction of Ferdinand, who kept back all the profit of the Administration of the Kingdoms of Spain. They both referr'd this difference to the Councel of France, which ordained that Ferdinand, in case he had no Children, should have the Administration of Castille; but should annually pay fifty thousand Ducats to the Emperor, and as much for the maintenance of the Pupil.

[Year of our Lord 1510] In the mean time his Holiness was reconciled to the Venetians, notwithstanding the Kings and the Emperors remonstrances, and took off their Excommunication, having imposed what Conditions he pleased upon them. He was daily more and more alienated from the King, and every Hour forged some complaint or other against him for things of no consequence, and most commonly without any just Grounds. On the contrary the King sought all means and opportunities to re∣gain his Good-Will; but his Care and good Offices proved ineffectual as to that purpose, his Holiness creating him Enemies in every Corner. For at the same Instant he solicited the Swisse against him, by his Instrument Matthew Schiner

Bishop of Sion, whose vehement Harangues moved and agitated that Savage Peo∣ple, as a Storm of Wind blows the Leaves: He likewise animated the Young King of England Henry VIII. who mightily d••sir••d to signalize his Name and Advancement to the Crown, by some Glorious Enterprize. To which he was likewise prompted by Ferdinand his Father in Law, who desired to embarass the King, fearing he should tear the Kingdom of Naples from him. Henry's Father was dead the Year before about the one twentieth of April.

A small occasion of Interest served to bring Julius into the Field. Alphonso Duke of Ferrara, had some Salt-pits at Comachio, and the Pope was in possession of those of Cervia. This last had wont to vend his Salt in Lombardy; but Alphonso [Year of our Lord 1510] had treated with the King to furnish him at a much cheaper Rate. Now Augu∣stin Ghisi Farmer of the Popes Salt-Pits, having complained of it to his Holiness, he commanded the Duke to break off this bargain with the King, and upon his re∣fusal, began to make War upon him, with design as it appeared, to embroil the King, and have an occasion to quarrel with him.

The Swisse on their Side sought to make some brawl, they demanded some old Debts, and an Augmentation of their Pensions of twenty thousand Livers yearly. It had been no more then ••his Summ alone, all the time of Lewis XI. and now was raised to sixty thousand. The addition they pressed for, was not considerable, considering the great danger they could put Milan into: but they proceeded in such an insolent manner, that the King believed himself obliged in Honour to re∣fuse them. He would also let them see that he could do well enough without them, having engaged the Vallies of Sion, and the League of the Grisons to his Service. They were so offended at this his slighting them, that they devoted themselves entirely to the Pope, under this specious Title of Defenders of the Holy See, for a thousand* 1.154 Florins Pension for each Canton.

The Lord de Chaumont Governor of the Milanois, going to the Assistance of the Ferrarois, drove the Venetians out that Dukes Country, and by the taking of several Places brought their former Terror again upon them.

Thereupon the ••ive and twentieth day of May, died at Lyons George d'Am∣boise, the wise and prudent pilot of France, a Minister without Covetousness or Pride, a Cardinal with one single Benefice, who having no other aim for Riches, but to encrease the Publick Store, heaped up for himself a Treasure of Benedi∣ctions to all Posterity. Every one mourned him, excepting Julius who alone rejoyced, for having ascended the Holy Chair, as he had done by Steps not alto∣gether Canonical, he apprehended lest if the King had become strongest in Ita∣ly, this Cardinal might have made his Process and degraded him for it.

It might be thought that his hatred being now no longer enflamed by that Ob∣ject, should have extinguished of its self; but on the contrary, being now freed from those Fears which somewhat daunted him, it broke forth with all its Vio∣lence, and yet without any ill Effect for that time. For his Army having twice approached Genoa, could not make them stir, a re-inforcement having been time∣ly put in, and Chaumont shut up the Passages to Milan, so carefully against the Swisse, that having in vain attempted to get thorough in several Places, they re∣turned again.

[Year of our Lord 1510] The King perceiving that, whether he would or not, there must be a War with Julius, appointed an Assembly of the Gallican Church at Tours, about the end of September, to know how far in Conscience he might proceed upon such an Occasion. The Assembly having considered eight Questions which he caused to be propounded, answered as to the substance of them, that this was a just War, [Year of our Lord 1510] and that he might make it offensive, to defend himself. After this Advice, he made inhibition his Subjects should not apply themselves to the Court of Rome, for Provisions of Benefices, or carry any Money out of the Kingdom.

Of all the Potentates in Italy, there were none but the Duke of Ferrara, the Florentins, and the Bentivogli dispossessed of Bologna, that took his Part; The Vene∣tians were openly in League with the Pope, who for above a Twelve-Month past, had renounced the League of Cambray; King Ferdinand likewise, having received from him the investiture of the Kingdom of Naples for a white Palefroy, with∣out payment of the forty thousand Ducats, as his Predecessors were wont to do. He did not however declare himself so soon, but acting the Mediator between the one and the other, he pretended to appease the Pope, to animate him the more, dived into the Kings and the Emperors Secrets, and amused them with di∣vers propositions.

The only considerable Ally that stood for the King, was the Emperor, who being always indigent by his continual Expences, and delaying his Affairs from Diet to Diet, where the Pope by his Intrigues easily blasted all his Designs, espe∣cially in the matter of getting Monies, was not at all advanced in his business against the Venetians: yet however he being obstinately bent to bring them to reason, notwithstanding all the Intercessions of the Pope, was obliged to hold himself strictly united with the King. Who for his own part flatt'ring his Am∣bition, proffer'd to assist him with all his Forces to reduce the City of Rome, and all Italy to his Obedience, excepting Milan, the Dutchy of Ferrara, the Seig∣neuries of Genoe, Florence, and the Kingdom of Naples. Thus both the one and the other, to pull down the Pride of Julius, concluded between themselves to as∣semble a General Council, for the reformation of the Church, as well in it's Head as in it's Members.

[Year of our Lord 1510] This Year an Epidemical Disease, spread it self over all France, which they named Coqueluche, because it clowded the whole Head, with a drowsy yet painful heaviness; It caused likewise great Pains in the Stomach, the Reines and the Calves of the Leggs, with a burning Feaver, attended with dangerous Deliriums, and a Disgust of all sorts of Food. Few People were exempt from it, and a great many Died of it.

[Year of our Lord 1510. & 11.] The mischief to the King's Designs, was that weakness of his to spare Ju∣lius, and not utterly ruine him, as it was in his Power for above two Years. He had forbid Chaumont from attacking the Lands belonging to the Church: this did not keep him from excommunicating that General, and the Duke of Fer∣rara likewise.

A few days after, Chaumont had a fair opportunity to take him in Bologna, where he had rashly engaged himself: but in stead of besieging the Town smart∣ly, he suffered himself to be amused with Propositions for an accommodation se∣veral days together: in which time the Venetians and Turks came with some Forces and freed him from that Peril.

[Year of our Lord 1511] When those Forces were joyned, Julius commanded his Generals to besiege Ferrara, and to facilitate the taking of it, first to attack the little City of Miran∣da belonging to the Children of John Picus, who had in no manner offended him. This Siege not going on with speed enough to his Mind, he goes thither him∣self notwithstanding the Frost and Snow, having no regard, neither to his Age of seventy Years, nor to the Dignity of his Sacred Tiara. He hastned on the Works, ordered the Batteries, encourag'd and pusht on the Soldiers, sometimes by Caresses, otherwhile by Threats; And the Town being taken on composition, the nineteenth of March, he was carried into it thorough the breach.

The King's Reputation being much declined in Italy, by the taking of Miranda, he sent fresh Troops thither, and Orders to Chaumont, not to spare Julius any longer. Chaumont followed him so close at the Heels, that he constrained him to retire to Bologna, and from thence to Ravenna: but thereupon this honest General happens to die at Corregio, and amidst the weakness caused by his Sickness, was so touched with Scruples of Conscience, that he sent to beg Absolution of the Pope. The Command of the Army fell to Trivulcio because of his Office of Mareschal, and the King confirmed it, till he could send Gastande Foix his Nephew, who was as yet but twenty Years of Age.

King Ferdinand was press'd by both Parties, to declare himself, he was unwil∣ling to Arm against the Emperor, being Grand-Father to the young Prince, the insolence of Julius shock'd him, the Kings Power was ever formidable to him; and whatever the event of this War might be, he almost equally feared, both the one and the other. So that he thought it fitter to endeavor an accommodation, and engaged those three Potentates to send Ambassadors to Montoua, that they might find out some expedients.

[Year of our Lord 1511] Stephen Poncher Bishop of Paris, a Prelate of rare Prudence and great Learn∣ing, went thither in behalf of the King, Matthew Lang Bishop of Curs for the Emperor: Many things were propounded: the French Ambassador yielded and complied in several Points, but the more he gave ground, the more the others flew off.

[Year of our Lord 1511] In the mean time the Pope desired the Bishop of Curs, to come to him at Ra∣venna; He thought to gain him by force of Promises, and the splendor of a Car∣dinals

Cap, which he had newly communicated to eight other Prelates very consi∣derable for their Learning or Credit, of which number was Matthew Schiner, to fortifie and support himself by their Suffrages against the Council, with which he was threatned. But the Bishop who more valued the Dignity of his Chara∣cter then the Roman Purple, did not mind his Proffers, but treated him with un∣heard of haughtiness. For he obliged him to come and meet him as far as Bolog∣na, sat on a like Chair as his, and would confer with none but himself, leaving it to his Gentlemen, to treat with those Cardinals the Pope had sent to him. Withal he kept firm to the Interests of the Emperor and the King, and return∣ed without concluding ought.

[Year of our Lord 1511] Trivulcio therefore began the War anew, and took Concorda. Approaching Bologna with the Bentivoglios, the Pope retired to Ravenna, and left the guard∣ing of Bologna, to the Cardinal of Pavia his* 1.155 Favourite, and to Francis Maria, Duke of Ʋrbin his Brothers Son, his Forces being in the Place, and the Veneti∣ans in the Vicinage: but this could not stay nor hinder the inconstancy of the Bo∣lognese, nor the impetuosity of the French. Upon his way, he met with three Mortal Displeasures, the first was the News, that the Bolognians had driven out his Soldiers; the second, that his Army was dispersed; the third, the Duke of Ʋrbin his Nephew stabb'd, almost in his sight, the Cardinal of Pavia in Ravenna, upon some Quarrel between them; and in those Cities thorough which he passed, he saw the Indiction, posted up, for a General Council at Pisa, the first of Sep∣tember.

It was of the sixteenth of May, made at the requisition of the Kings and the Emperors Procurators, in execution of the Decree of the Council of Constance, and in the Name of nine Cardinals, three of them having signed it, these were Sancta Croce, Cosenza and Saint Malo: their Names Bernard de Carvajal, Francis Borgia, and William Briconnont, who hapned to be then at Milan. The King and the Emperor approved this Indiction, by their Letters Patents, of the follow∣ing Month of July.

In this consternation, seeing no Security for himself even in Rome, if the Kings Victorious Army should pursue him, he cast about for an Accommodation: but as soon as he knew that the King tyred with the importunate Scruples of his Wife, had sent Orders to Trivulcio, not to make any Attempt upon the Ter∣ritories of the Church, he shewed himself more stubborn and more implacable then ever.

[Year of our Lord 1511] And so by his Bulls of the Seventeenth of July, he assigned a Council at Rome, in the Lateran Palace for the nineteenth of April following, declared Null the Con∣vocation of that of Pisa, and cited the three Cardinals to appear before him, within threescore and five Dayes, upon default whereof they should be degraded of their Dignities, and deprived of their Benefices.

The Kings negligence and the Chimerical irresolutions of the Emperor height∣ned his Courage. For the Emperor ever slow and wavering, omitting at first to press the Business home, had not so much Credit as to make his Prelates go to Pisa; the King managing this serious Business, as it were but in Sport, sent thither but fifteen of his Bishops of France and Milan, together with some Ab∣bots, Doctors, and Procurators of the Universities; and the Council was not opened till the twenty-ninth of October, they being troubled to obtain leave of the Florentins, under whose Seigneury Pisa then was, who had at length reduced it by force about two Years before this. The Cardinal de Sancta Croce was Pre∣sident there, Odet de Foix Lautrec the Guardian, and Philip Dece an excellent Lawyer the Advocat.

[Year of our Lord 1511] The Pisans had little respect for this Assembly, and the People, whether of themselves, or by the secret Instigations of the Popes Emissaries, or the Florentins, who apprehended the furious resentments of the Pope, did often quarrel with the French Soldiers. The Fathers took such an Allarm upon it, that at their third Session they transferr'd it to Milan, where they were no better received nor longer in quiet.

[Year of our Lord 1511] Julius relied much upon the Assistance of Ferdinand, and the Venetians; the twentieth of October, he concluded the League with them, which they nam∣ed Holy, for the Peace of the Church, said they, the abolishing the Council of Pisa, the recovery of the Lands belonging to the Holy See, and the ex∣pulsion of all those out of Italy, that would hinder the Execution of those things.

[Year of our Lord 1512] In the Month of January of the Year 1512. the Army of the Holy League, commanded by Raimond de Cardonna Vice-Roy of Naples, besieged Bologna, and the Citizens of Brescia introduced the Venetians into their City, where they put in fifteen hundred Horse, and eight thousand Foot in Garrison, who besieg∣ed the Castle. But now, behold, the young Gaston de Foix General of the Kings Army in those Countries, more sudden and more terrible then Thunder, over∣throws them and all their Designs. For on the tenth Day of the Siege, whilst the Snow fell so thick, as to prevent the being observed, he entred into Bologna, to the great astonishment of those Old Soldiers, who raised their Siege confound∣ed and cloathed with Shame.

From thence marching towards Brescia, with six thousand chosen Men, he on his way defeated John Paul Bailloni, who commanded part of the Venetian Army. Then entring into the City by the Castle, he forced their Works, and the In∣trenchments they had made, strewed the Streets with eight thousand of their Slain, and drove out the Venetian Troops. These three grand Exploits per∣formed in less then fifteen Daies, raised this Prince above all the Captains of his Time.

Notwithstanding all these Advantages, the Pontifical League being reinforced every day with some remainders, the Florentins renounced their Amity with France; the Report was spread of a sudden Irruption of the Swiss; and the English were just upon breaking with the King; for the Pope had intoxicated them, with the vain Glory of defending the Holy See, and the Fumes of all sorts of delicious Wines, whereof he had sent them a whole Ships loading, together with Hamms, Sauciges and Spices, to give the Wine a better relish or gusto, and make them the more desirable.

[Year of our Lord 1512] Now the King, that he might not have so many Enemies at once, sent Order to Gaston, that he should give Battle to the Army of the League, during the Tor∣rent of his good Fortune. The Enemies themselves presented it to him, being approached near Ravenna, to make him raise the Siege which he had undertaken [Year of our Lord 1512] for this very purpose. It was fought on Easter Day the eleventh of April. Their Forces were equal, the shock very bloody, in the conclusion the Commanders for the League some of them being fled, and the others taken, the Victory turned to Gaston's Lot. But as he was pursuing too eagerly, a Body of four thousand Spaniards, who made their retreat in good Order by the way betwixt the ri∣sing Ground, and the River Ronca, he was surrounded and slain with the thrust of a Pike, and his Cousin Odet de Foix Lautree grievously wounded,

This gross was not pursued, the rest were all cut in Pieces or made Prisoners, Ravenna afterwards Sacked, and some Neighbouring Cities, put into the Hands of the Cardinal Sanseverin Legate from the Council of Pisa, as likewise the Cardinal Julian de Medicis the Popes Legate, Ferrand d'Avalos Mar∣quiss of Pescaro, and Peter de Navarre, who had all been taken in the Bat∣tle.

After this it was expected there would have been an Universal Revolution in Italy, in favour of the French. In effect their fright was so great in Rome, that the Cardinals in a Body went to implore the Pope, to make a Peace with the King. Ferdinand and the Venetians having brought him a little to heart again, he fell to practise his wonted Artifice, which was to amuse the King with Propositions of an Accommodation, and to engage the Queen to act, who by Motives of Conscience, Caresses, Intrigues, and Importunities often disarm'd him and made him relent.

With this his trouble in Mind occasioned by the death of his Nephew, the mis∣understanding which arose between the Cardinal Sanseverin, who was Legate, and la Palice, who had the Title of General, the little obedience the other French Captains yielded to this last, and the ill-timed good Husbandry, or sparingness of the Treasurer, Pay-Master to the Army, did not only render that Victory fruit∣less, but occasioned the loss of the Dutchy of Milan. For the Treasurer dis∣banded a considerable part of the Forces, and la Palice left Sanseverin but six thou∣sand Foot, and a thousand Horse, and led the rest into Milan. There being encamped at Pontevica, a Place proper to relieve Milan, Cremona, Bress, and Ber∣gamo, four thousand Lansquenets, which made up two thirds of his Infantry, and had been raised in the Territories of the House of Austria, were recalled by the Emperor Maximilian at that instant when the Swiss were entring into that Country.

In few Words, the French reduced to two or three thousand Men, did wholly abandon all Milanois; Maximilian Sforza was restored to that Dutchy by the [Year of our Lord 1512] Swiss, who declared themselves Protectors of it. The City of Genoa revolted, and created a Duke, which was Janus Fregosa: Almost at the same time the King of England sent a Herauld, to declare a War against the King; and the Emperor who had so often protested, never to seperate from him, forsook him, and knit a new Alliance with Julius.

Amidst this rout amongst the French, the Council of Pisa, who were retired to Milan, made their escape to Lyons. During the time they had been at Mi∣lan, they held four or five Sessions, in which the Fathers had Summond Julius to name some free Place for the Council, and to meet there in Person, to justifie him∣self, had declared him suspended of the Papal Administration, and forbid to pay him Obedience.

The Council of Latran, much more numerous and better authorized, thundred with more force, especially after the Emperor had owned them. In their third Session, which was upon a Friday the sixteenth of November, a Bull was read which condemned the Council of Pisa, their Abettors and Adherents, and con∣firmed the Excommunications and Degradations, which Julius had fulminated against the Cardinals and Bishops who composed it; As also their Letters Moni∣torie of the fourteenth of August, whereby he put the Kingdom of France under interdiction, excepting the Dutchy of Burgundy, and tranferr'd the Faires from Lyons to Geneva. In the Fourth, which was the eleventh of December there was read a Decree which adjourned the King, and the Prelates, Chapters, and Parlia∣ments, to appear before him within sixty Days, and to shew their Reasons, why [Year of our Lord 1512] they would not have the Pragmatick Sanction abrogated.

* 1.156 The Lure which King Ferdinand had made use of, to engage the Young King of England his Son-in-Law, in a War against France, was the Promise he had made him, to assist him with all his Forces to conquer Guyenne. Upon this assu∣rance, the English by the end of May, landed a great Army near Fontarabia: but Ferdinand had of a long time formed the design of conquering Navarre, so that in stead of joyning with him, he falls upon that unhappy Kingdom, nothing concerned in the Quarrel, and took occasion upon the apprehensions of their Ar∣my, to invade it the more securely, and easily. [Year of our Lord 1512]

King John d'Albret had not dar'd to arm himself, for fear of giving him that Pretence he desired to oppress him; So that as soon as he appeared on the Fron∣tiers, he coward-like retired into Bearn, and abandon'd the whole Kingdom to him, excepting only some Fortresses.

When Ferdinand had usurped Navarre, he sought out some Title to it, that he might still hold it. He could find no other, but the right of War, and a Bull of the Popes, which left it as a Prey to the first Occupier, because John, said, he, [Year of our Lord 1512] was an Abettor of the Council of Pisa, and an Ally of the King of France Ene∣my to the Holy See. But as to the right of War, unless they mean the Force [✚] or Power of the Sword, which gives no right, but amongst the Barbarians, Fer∣dinand had none at all, since John had no way wronged him, and was so far from taking Arms against him, that on the contrary, he proffer'd him free Passage tho∣row his Kingdom. And as to the other Point, that Bull so much alledged, is no where to be found: but could it be produced, it could give no right to a Crown which is held only from God; and if it could give any, it was published, say the Spaniards, in the Month of July, and the Invasion was made in June. Which is to chop off a Man's Head, and then pronounce his Sentence.

The Succors which the King sent to John his Ally being ill conducted did him no Service. The Duke of Longueville Governor of Guyenne, and Charles Duke of Bourbon who commanded them, could not agree. The King sent Francis Duke of Valois thither; His Authority stifled their Discord, he entred into Na∣varre, in dispite of the Duke of Alva, who was encamped at Saint John's de Pied de Port, and laid Siege to Pampelonna; but the want of Provisions, and Incon∣veniences of the Season, constrained him to De-Camp at the end of six Weeks.

Ferdinand having reaped what Fruit he could hope for by this War, did wil∣lingly make a Truce with the King.

About these Times, began the Reign of the Cherifs in Affrica, by one Mahomet Ben∣hemet, who, saying he was descended of the Blood of his Great Prophet, and having

Sanctified himself in the Opinion of the People, by a tedious and long Solitude, ani∣mated them with a furious Zeal, to Make War upon the Christians, and those Moors that had made Alliance with them, and by the help and means of his two Sons, conquer'd the Kingdoms of Fez, of Morocco, and of ••remissen.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The wrath of Julius had no bounds, he had framed a Decree in the Name of the Council, to transfer the Kingdom of France, and the Title of Most Christian, to the King of England. When he was just on the Point of publishing it, the Heavens taking pitty of him, and of all Christendom, called him cut of the World the three and twentieth of February. He died of a lingring slow Feaver, contracted, as they said, thorow Grief, for that he could not persuade or incline the Venetians, to make an Agreement with the Emperor; So violent were his Passions, much fitter for a Turkish Sultan, then the common Father of all Chri∣stians.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The Cabal of Young Cardinals, having observed that the Oldest were sometimes the most passionate, would essay whether amongst the youthfull there might not be found, one more Temperate; And for this consideration, elected John de Medicis Son of Lau∣rence, who was but thirty six years of Age. He took the Name of Leo X.

There were two Opinions in the Kings Council, the one to make an Accom∣modation with the Venetians; the other to regain the Emperor. Stephen Poncher Bishop of Paris was of the first, such as would be complaisant to the Queen stood for the second. This Princess passionately desired to marry Renee her second Daughter to the Arch-Duke Charles; and this Advice had carried it, if she would at that very time, have given her up to Maximilians Hands to breed her, and had not obstinately resolved to keep her near her self, till she were marriage∣able. Ferdinand on the other side, fearing lest the Venetians should renew, and joyn in friendship again with France, endeavoured to reconcile them with Maxi∣milian, and propounded to get Veronna to be restored again to them: but the Emperor demanded prodigious Summs of Money, and very crabbed Conditions; So that the Venetians not being able to come to an Agreement on reasonable Terms with him, condescended to a League with the Kings.

[Year of our Lord 1513] By means of their Assistance, and during the Truce he had with Ferdinand, he believed he might recover the Dutchy of Milan. He gave Commission for this to la Trimoville, the most renowed of his Captains, together with sixteen thousand Foot, one thousand Men at Arms, and two thousand light-Horse, to whom the Venetian Army commanded by Alviane, newly deliver'd by the French, were to joyn in case of need.

At his arrival, though he had not much more then the half of his Men, it spread so great a Terror thorow Italy, that all the Places in Milanois surren∣dred to him, excepting Coma and Novarre, in the last of which Duke Francis Sforza put himself, with five thousand Swisse. At the same time the Fleet which consisted of nine Galleys and some Ships, having appeared on the Coast of Genoa, the Fiesques and the Adornes drew near to Genoa with four thousand Men, and having beaten some Soldiery, whit which Duke Janu Fregoso thought to hinder their Passage from the Mountains, chaced away that Duke, and restored that Seig∣neury to the Obedience of the King, having caused Antonio Adorno to be crea∣ted Duke, to administer in his Name.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The injoyment of this Conquest lasted not so long, as the time they had im∣ploy'd in acquiring it. La Trimoville had besieged Sforza in Novarre and made a Breach: but he durst not make his Assault, because the said Breach, was hardly large enough, and there was another Body of Swisse, coming to relieve the be∣sieged. There were two Opinions that divided the Officers, la Trimoville thought it best to go and meet the Swisse, John Jacques Trivulcio on the contrary to avoid fighting, and wait for the French Troops, that were marching to re▪inforce them. The plurality of Votes made them resolve to pursue the first, and for that purpose, Trivulcio with the Van-Guard should go and take his Lodgment up∣on that Road, whilst la Trimoville should remain yet some time longer before No∣varre with the Rear-Guard, to expel the Swisse, if they endeavour'd to make any Sallies. But having some Lands of his own in the Place they had assigned him to take his Lodgment, and besides being proud and haughty, his Pride and Ava∣rice made him turn another way, and take his Lodgment near la Riota, in a Bog∣gy

Ground, and cut up and down with deep Trenches, so that the Horse could be of no Service, nor be able to help the Foot.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The Swifse that were in Novarre, therefore marching forth in the Night, which could not have been imagin'd, and having joyned the others, came with much fu∣ry to charge the French Army at the first birth of Day. Their Charge was re∣ceived with the like courage; Fifteen hundred of their Men were slain, and as many wounded: nevertheless they gained the Victory, and hew'd all the German Infantry in pieces, together with the Gascons. La Trimoville wounded in the Leg, retreated with all his Cavalry to Vercel, and from thence to Susa.

The burthen of the War fell afterwards upon the Venetians; they maintained it well enough: but all those Cities that had given themselves up to the French, returned, and submitted themselves to the mercy of Sforza, and were chastized for their defection, by great Fines which served him to pay the Swisse.

The Adornes who had not yet held the Government of Genoa above one and twenty Days, having not wherewith to support themselves, after such a revolu∣tion, made their best advantage of it; They assembled the People, and having declared, that they would not maintain an ambitious Government, to the great hazard of their Country, withdrew themselves out of the City, most of the Peo∣ple and Senate conducting them forth with Tears and Wishes for their return. By the interest of Cardonna General of Ferdinand's Army, and upon the Popes re∣commendations, Octavian Fregosa was ••etled in that Principallity, and not Janus who was formerly expell'd.

Hitherto Maximilian, although he had abandoned the King, had not yet for∣mally declared himself; When he found the opportunity so fair, he enters into open hostility against him; and then was France in more eminent danger then it had of a long time been. For on the one side, the Swisse extremely puff'd up by the Victory at Novarre, entred by the Dutchy of Burgundy, and he with the King of England fell upon them in Picardy.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The Swisse besieged Dijon with five and twenty hundred Men, to whom the Emperor had joyned the Nobless of the Franche-Comte, and some German Horse commanded by Ʋlric Duke of Wirtemberg. La Trimoville having defended it six [Year of our Lord 1513] Weeks, judged it better to turn this Torrent another way, which after the tak∣ing this Place, would have overflowed all even to Paris, than to render it more violent by thus putting it to a stop. He enters upon a Treaty with them, and manag'd it so wisely, as to send them back into their own Country, obliging himself that the King should pay them six hundred thousand Crowns, and should renounce the Council of Pisa, and the Dutchy of Milan. He had no express Order to make these conditions: but thought he might be allowed to do it for the saving of all France, and thereupon gave them up six Hostages, two Lords, and four Citizens. The King refusing to ratifie this Treaty, their Heads were in great danger. Only the fear the Swisse had of losing the great Summs of Money he proffer'd them, saved the Lives of those innocent Persons.

[Year of our Lord 1513] At the same time about mid-July, the Emperor and the King of England had besieged Terovenne with above fifty thousand Men. The French Army happily enough, threw a Convoy of Provisions and Ammunitions into the Fossez: but at their return not standing well upon their Guard, they were Charged and put to the rout. The Battle was fought the eighteenth of August, near Guine∣gaste * 1.157, it was named The Battle of Spurrs, because in this Fight the French made more use of them, then of their Swords. The more Valiant notwithstanding shewed great Personal courage, which they paid for; the Duke of Longueville, and the Chevalier Bayard were hemm'd in, and carried away by the English. Terovenne capitulated fifteen Days after. The two Princes not being able to agree who should have it, commanded it to be dismantled, against the express Terms of the Capitulation, and burnt it all excepting only the Churches. Tournay fearing the like Fate, surrendred in good time to the Kings of England, who built a Citadel to bridle them.

About the same Time, James IV. King of Scotland, the only Ally the King had left him, having marched into England, to make a Diversion, was beaten by the English Army, and slain upon the Spot, the seventeenth of Sep∣tember.

[Year of our Lord 1513] The King's Spirit bore him up bravely against all these Adversities: but he had a Domestick trouble greater then those of all his Enemies. This was his own Wife, who moved with the Scruples common to her Sex, could not endure

he should be at variance with the Pope, and should maintain a Council against him. She still making a noise in his Ears, upon these two Points, he was oft∣times forced, to keep Peace within Doors, to lay down his Arms, when his Af∣fairs were most promising, and in a fair way of bringing Julius quickly to reason. In fine, being quite tyred and overcome by her Importunities, and the remon∣strances of his Subjects, whom she stirred up on all Hands, he renounced his Council of Pisa, and adhered to the Latran Council, by his Procurators; who caused his Mandate to be read in the eight Session, the fourteenth of December, [Year of our Lord 1513] the Pope then Presiding. He likewise promised to appear concerning the Busi∣ness of the Pragmatick: but because of those Enemies, who encompassed him round on all Hands, he demanded a competent Time, which was granted him.

The Cardinals de Sancta Croce and Sanseverin, went to Rome, to cast them∣selves at the Feet of Pope Leo, and presenting themselves in the Council, in the Habits of simple Priests, craving pardon on their Knees, acknowledging they had justly been degraded by Pope Julius, and detesting the Assembly of Pisa as Schismatick, were restored to their Dignities, and took their Places in the Sacred Colledg. After these submissions, the Pope seemed in appearance, to be satisfied with the King: but did not omit underhand, to incite the Emperor to make War upon him, that he might be so much embroil'd as not to have leasure to return into Italy.

[Year of our Lord 1514] Queen Anne survived but few Days after this reconciliation, which she had so infinitely desired; She died the ninth of January at the Castle of Blois. Her Husband loved her so entirely, that his Heart bowed under this Asslication, he put on Black for Mourning, shut himself up for several Days in his Closset, and turned all the Fidlers, Comedians, Jugglers and Buffoons, out of the Court.

Having no Children, he with great tenderness bred up Francis Duke of Valo∣is, whom the Laws of the Kingdom appointed necessary Successor. Queen Anne out of a hatred she had ever conceived, for Louisa Mother of this Prince, had hindred his Marriage with her Daughter Claude; The King would have it con∣summate the eighteenth day of May, at Saint Germains en laye.

Himself had as then, no thoughts of re-marrying: but the Duke of Longue∣ville who was Prisoner in England, and endeavoured to make a Peace between the two Crowns, having talked of a Marriage between the King, and Mary the Sister of King Henry, the good Prince hearkned willingly to it, out of the de∣sire he had to settle his People in Peace, and the King of England inclined there∣to, as perceiving the Fourberies of Ferdinand his Father in Law, who had disap∣pointed him three several times.

[Year of our Lord 1514] The Peace and Marriage were made in London on the same Day, being the se∣cond of August. The King of England was to hold Tournay, and Lewis obliged himself to pay him six hundred thousand Crowns at two payments, as well for the Expences of his War, as for the Arrears of the Pension that had been promis'd by the Treaty of Pequigny, and confirmed by that of Estaples in 1492. In this Summ they had deducted his Wives Portion, which was four hundred thou∣sand Crowns. The Marriage was compleated at Abbiville, the tenth Day of October.

[Year of our Lord 1514] The young Duke of Valois, who was all fire and flame for the fair Ladies, did not want some Sparks for this new Queen, and Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, who loved her before this Marriage, and followed the Court of France in Qua∣lity of Ambassador from England, had not extinguished his first Flames. But the remonstrances of Arthur de Gouffier Boisy, having made the Duke of Valois consi∣der, (whose Governor he had been) that he was going to play a ticklish Game, and had reason to apprehend the like from the Duke of Suffolk, the wean'd him∣self of his Folly, and caused every Motion of that Duke to be narrowly ob∣served.

The good King's Grave was not far distant from his Nuptial Bed. As he was raising a Potent Army to re-pass the Alpes, making himself secure of Fortunes favour; since he had gained the King of England his most dreadful Enemy, a fit [Year of our Lord 1515] of Vomiting seized upon him in his Hostel des Tournelles at Paris, and brought him so low, that he died of it the first day of January Anno 1515. He was fifty three years of Age, and had Reigned seventeen.

His Humour was open, gay and easie, he loved to hear the Truth, and that of things even concerning himself without shewing any Anger, unless it reflected on the Honor of some Ladies; of whom there were not many Stories to relate, the Queens severe Chastity, and his great and manly Soul, above those triflings and vain divertisements that begets so much Corruption, having made them keep themselves mightily reserved.

He pleased himself in reading of good Books, and cherish'd and advanced Learned Men: but more those that were able to instruct and do him Service, then such as could only flatter, and please the Ear with their soft dif∣courses.

Never Prince loved his People so much, nor was so much beloved as he. As he spared them as much as he could himself, so he took care they should not be a Prey to the Grandees and Sons of War. He had so well regulated the last, that often times the Provinces would request it as a Favour and Advantage, that he would send them Companies of his Men at Arms. He was more then once obser∣ved to have Tears in his Eyes, when he was forced to lay some little Subsidy upon them; and upon the prospect he had of what would be squander'd and wasted in Luxury and vain Prodigallity by Francis I. after his death, he sighing said, Ah! we labour in vain, this great Boy will spoil all.

Two Male Children he had by Anne of Bretagne, died in the Arms of their Nurses. There were only two Daughters left, Claude who was married to Francis I. and Renee, who in Anno 1528. was by that King married to Hercules Duke of Ferrara, a petty Prince whom he made choice of purposely, that he might not be able to contend with him for the Dutchy of Bretagne.

FRANCIS I, CALLED The Great KING, AND THE Father of Learning.

King LVII.

Aged XX Years and about four Months.

POPES,

• LEO X. near seven Years under this Reign.
• ADRIAN VI. Elected the 4th of January in the Year 1522. S. 1 Year, and above eight Months.
• CLEMENT VII. Elected the 29th of November 1525. S. 10 Years and above 10 Months.
• PAUL III. Elected the 13th of October 1534. S. Years, and one Month, whereof 12 Years and a half under this Reign.

[Year of our Lord 1515. in January.] THis is the third time in the Capetine Race, that the Scepter, for want of Male-Children in the direct Line, passes in a collateral Line. Lewis I. Duke of Orleans had two Sons, Charles who was Duke of Orleans after him, and John who was Earl of Angoulesme. Lewis XII. was the Son of Charles, and from John, came another Charles, who was Father of Francis I. who succeeded to Lewis XII. He was crowned at Reims the five and twentieth of January, and took the Title of Duke of Milan with that of King of France.

When this Prince appeared on the Throne in the Flower of his Youth, with the Meene and Stature of a Hero, with wonderful dexterity and address in all the noble Exercises of a Cavalier, Brave, Liberal, Magnificent, Civil, Debon∣naire, and well Spoken, he attracted the Adoration of the People, and the Love of the Nobility; and indeed he had been the greatest of Kings, if the too high Opinion of himself, grounded upon so many fair Qualities, had not inclined

him to suffer himself to be entangled in the Snares of Women, and the Flatte∣ries of Courtiers, who corrupted his Mind, and made it spend its self most in out∣ward vain Glory, and superficial appearances.

His first Cares were to seek the Alliance and Amity of the Princes his Neigh∣bours. The King of England taking yet to Heart, the Infidelity of Ferdinand his Father in Law, continued the Peace with him on the same Conditions, as he had made with his Predecessor, and to last during both their Lives. The King sent back Queen Mary to him, who afterwards married the Duke of Suffolk. The Arch-Duke likewise being thereto obliged by the Flemmings, who in no wise would have a War with France, and besides judging there might be danger to let things stand, without any Colligation between France and England, sent the Count of Nassaw Ambassador to him: who after he had rendred the Homage due for the Counties of Artois and Flanders, treated a perpetual confederation between the two Princes.

[Year of our Lord 1515] The Band and Knot that was to tye this fast, was the Marriage in future of his Master, with Renee the Queens Sister; It was stipulated under terrible Oaths, and great pains of refusal on either Part, for which Francis stak'd down the Faith of several great Lords, and twelve of his best Cities for security. The Condi∣tions were, six hundred thousand Crowns of Gold, and the Dutchy of Berry for her, and for her Children; That she should renounce to the Succession of Father and Mother, namely to the Dutchies of Milan and Bretagne, and that the King should be engaged to assist the Arch-Duke with Men and Ships, to go and take Possession of the Kingdoms of Spain, upon the Death of Ferdinand his Grand-Father.

It would have been very easie also, for the King to have confirmed the League made by his Predecessor with the Venetians: but Ferdinand refused the continua∣tion of the Truce, unless upon the same Conditions as the last, which was, that he should not meddle with, or touch the Dutchy of Milan. Which the King not having accepted of, the said Ferdinand, the Emperor, the Swisse, and Sforza Duke of Milan, made a League which imported; That to compel the King to re∣nounce that Dutchy, the Swisse should attack France by the way of Burgundy; That in order to it, they should receive three thousand Ducats Monthly, from the other Confederates; and that King Ferdinand should fall with a powerful Ar∣my into Guyenne or Languedoc. The Pope for whom they had left room in this League, did not enter till the Month of July, when he found that the King who had kept this design conceal'd all the Winter, marched in good earnest to pass the Mountains.

Upon his access to the Crown, he supplied the Offices of Constable, and Chancellor with two Persons, whereof one caused great mischiefs to France in this Reign only, and the other was the occasion of such, as were felt then, and perhaps may last to all the following Ages. He gave that of Constable to Charles de Bourbon, who afterwards stirred up great Troubles against him, and that of Chancellor to Antony Duprat, at that Time, first President of Paris, who to fur∣nish the Prodigal and conquering Humor of a young King with Money, suggested to him the Sale of Justice, by creating a new Chamber of twenty Counsellors, in the Parliament of Paris, and so proportionably in all the others, to augment the Tailles, and lay new Imposts, without waiting the Consent or Grant of the Estates, as was the ancient Order and Practice of the Kingdom.

[Year of our Lord 1515] All the Apparel for War being ready, the King went to the City of Lyons, where he staid some time, till Trivulcio and the Lord de Morete, with the Mountainers whom the Duke of Savoy had sent to them, could find a Passage over the Alpes for his Troops, which were arrived in Dauphine. For the Swisse, who had posted themselves at Suza and those Parts, hindred their way by Mount Cenis, and the Mount of Genevra, which begin both in that Place. The Popes Army, and that belonging to Ferdinand, were encamped on the other side of the Po, towards Piacenza and Parma, and Prespera Columna, had come and lodg'd him∣self with a thousand Horse in Villa Franca, which is within seven Leagues of Sa∣luzzes, where he thought himself very secure.

When with incredible difficulty, and by meer strength of Arms, Trivulcio had made them sling and hoyst the Artillery over the tops of the Mountains, and from thence with no less toyl, let them down again in the Country of Saluzzes, the King's Forces passed the Alpes at Dragonniera, Roquepavier and other Passes which are nigh Provence. La Palice who was passed one of the first, having cor∣respondence

[Year of our Lord 5115] with some Inhabitants of Villa-Franca, used so much Skill and Cele∣rity, that he surprized Prospera as he was sitting down to Table, and made both him, and all his, Prisoners. Some days before Emard de Prie, with five or six thousand Men, was gone to Genoa, to attack Alexandria, and some other Towns on this side the Po. Octavian Fregosa had at the same time treated with the King, who left to him the Signeury of Genoa, to be, not a Duke, but only Governour in his Name.

These tydings brought to Lyons, the King parted from thence the fifteenth day [Year of our Lord 1515] of August, accompanied by seven Princes of the Blood, and an infinite number of Great Lords, having before-hand left the Regency to Louise de Savoy his Mo∣ther, who was stiled Madame. As he was going forth, arrives an Ambassador from England, to let him know from his Master, that he ought not to pass into Italy, for fear of disturbing the Peace of Christendom: which only served to dis∣cover the inconstancy of that Prince, and the jealousy he had, left a young King should out-strip him in the Race of Honour, who had lived a much longer time.

King Ferdinand's Menaces signified as little, as the King of Englands Remon∣strances. He was but too well pleased, that the first Efforts and Attempts of this new Conqueror were to fall upon Italy, and not upon Spain. And therefore as soon as he was certain of his March that way, he disbanded the greatest part of his Forces, and little cared for that League he was entred into, for the defence of Milan.

This Shock, or Surprize of Prospera Colomna's being very considerable, because [Year of our Lord 1515] it was the first essay of the whole Enterprize, greatly changed the disposition of the Minds of the Emperor, the Pope, and even the Swisse: who after having burnt Chivas and Verceil retired to Novarre, whilst the King was assembling his Troops at Turin. He immediately set forwards to follow them without delay, being informed how they began to disagree, and judg'd he had a fair opportunity either to vanquish them during their disunion, or to treat the more advantageously with them.

And indeed some of their Chiefs began to give ear, to the Propositions that were made by him: but knowing he was come to Verceil, they dislodg'd from Novarre, and retired to Galerate. He followed the same Pace, and got into all their Towns without striking one Blow.

Being thus repulsed, and at variance with each other, they set a Treaty on Foot, by the mediation of Charles Duke of Savoy their ancient Allie. He obtained them all the satisfaction they could hope for, that is to say, great Summs of Mo∣ney as well for their Pensions, as to make good the Treaty of Dijon, and a very fair settlement in France for Duke Sforza, in recompence for his Dutchy of Mi∣lan. But thereupon arrives a re-inforcement of ten thousand Men from their own Country: who desiring to have their share in the Honor and Spoil, as well as their Compagnons, whom they found very rich, broke off all and led them back to Milan.

This did not however take away all hopes they might be pacified, by adding an over-plus Summ, to stop the Months of the most Troublesom and Active: but one Day, when all seemed to be at an end, and the King was ready to send Mo∣ney for performance of the Articles, the Cardinal of Sion, whilst they were all met to make the final Conclusion, begins to Harangue them with so much earnest∣ness, that he made them take up their Arms, to come and Charge the French, who were lodged at Marignan, within a League of Milan, and expected no less then such a sudden Onset.

Therefore the thirteenth of October about four in the Afternoon, they came and Charged the French Van-guard with impetuosity, who having been forewarn'd, received them much better then they imagined; they could not however hinder them from gaining the enclosure of their Camp, and some Pieces of Canon. But the King hastning to that part with the Flower of his Nobility and Gent∣darmerie, prevented them from piercing any further. Never was there a more furious scuffle, not heavier Blows: the Fight lasted four hours in the Night: nought but their over weariness made Truce between them, till break of Day, but did not part them; many of both Parties lying down by each other all the Night. The King with his Armor on, rested himself upon the Carriage of a Gun; where the great Thirst his toyl had brought upon him, made him relish even a little Water mixed with Dirt and Blood, brought to him by a courteous Soldier in his Morion.

[Year of our Lord 1515] He did not waste all the Night in reposing himself, but the greatest Part in▪ placing his Guns, his Musquetiers, and Gascon Cross-bow Men. The Day ap∣pearing, the Swisse returned to the Assault with more vigour then the Night be∣fore: but the Cannon broke their Battallions, the Bullets and Arrows made a great Slaughter, then the Horse sallied and ran over them: some of their Compa∣nies were driven into a Wood, who were all cut in Pieces.

About nine in the Morning, the rest thinking themselves vanquisht, because they had not been able to Vanquish, and withal observing Alvaine approach with the choice of his Venetian Cavalry, began to make their retreat towards Milan; none endeavouring to pursue them, excepting Alvaine, who thinking to Charge them in the Rear, soon found by their fierce resistance, that they dreaded their Italian Lances but little. This was all the Share he had in this Battle, whatever the Authors of that Nation are pleased to relate.

The French kept the Camp, cover'd with ten thousand dead Swisse, and three or four thousand of their own Men, but of the bravest, and for the most part Gentlemen. Francis de Bourbon Brother to the Constable, the Prince of Tal∣mont only Son of Lewis de la Trimoville, Bussy d'Amboise Nephew to the Cardinal of that Name, the Count de Sancerre, and eight or ten other Lords of Note were slain there. Claude Duke of Guise, who commanded the Lansquenets in the absence of Charles Duke of Gueldres his Maternal Uncle, was trod under Foot; a Ger∣man Gentleman his Esquire saved his Life, at the expence of his own, by co∣vering him with his own Body, and receiving the Blows they made at his Ma∣ster.

This ill Success begot new discords between the Swisse, those that would have agreed with the King, demanded Money of Sforza that they might be gone; they knew well enough he had none, and thereupon they returned by way of Coma, which the King had left open for them. The rest follow'd them the next day: but left fifteen hundred of their Men with Sforza to maintain the Castle, toge∣ther with five hundred Italians he had there, promising in a short time to come back to his assistance: as likewise on his side the Cardinal of Sion going to the Emperor for the same purpose, vow'd to return again speedily: So that upon this assurance, he shut himself into the Castle with one John Gonzague, Jerome Mo∣ron, and some Milanese Gentlemen. The City surrendred the next day to the King: but he judged it was not convenient for his Majesty to enter into it 〈…〉〈…〉 had the Castle likewise, which he ordered should be Besieged by the 〈…〉〈…〉 and Peter de Navarre.

As soon as he came first into Italy, the Pope had feignedly begun to Treat with him: After the Battle of Marignan, he was in so great haste thorough fear, that he treated without disguise, not waiting the Resolutions of the Swisse Diet, nor the Emperors, who earnestly conjured him not to do so. Amongst other Arti∣cles, the King took into his protection his Person, the Ecclesiastical Estate, Ju∣lian and Laurence de Medicis, and the Estate of Florence; obliged himself that from that Time forward, the Milanese should be furnished with Salt from Cervia; consented free Passage should be allowed for the Vice-Roy of Naples Forces to retire; promised not to assist or protect any of his Feudataries against him. Re∣ciprocally the Pope was to withdraw the Soldiers he had sent to the Emperor against the Venetians, and surrender Piacenza and Parma to the King, and Modena and Reggio to the Duke of Ferrara.

The Constable not relying solely upon the Success of those Mines, with the which Peter de Navarre had vaunted to take the Castle of Milan in a Month, made use of Money, which does its effect more certainly then Gun-Powder, and corrupted some Captains: so that they began to Mutiny. The Swisse Cantons, assembled at that time at Zuric, were just sending away a powerful Relief to Sforza, and the Pope who had not yet concluded his Treaty, would not have failed to joyn his Troops, and those of Naples: but Moron who was all the Councel the unfortunate Sforza had, persuaded him to make a Composition with the King.

He yielded him all his Rights to the Dutchy, conditionally he should have a certain Summ of ready Money to pay his Debts, thirty thousand Ducats Pension to be paid him in France, or given him in Benefices with a Cardinals Cap, and several other Conditions for his Servants, and such as had been of his Party. The Treaty signed, he came out of the Castle, and was conducted into France by

some Lords; little bemoaned for being fallen from that high Degree of Sove∣raignty, because the exravagancy of his Mind, and his more then brutish Vices, had rendred him unworthy of it.

The Castle being surrendred, nothing more opposed the Conqueror. Hugh de Cardonna with Ferdinand's Army retired to the Kingdom of Naples; and the Pope dissembling his displeasure for the restitution of those Places he had been obliged to make, went to Bologna to confer with the King face to face.

He arrived there the nineteenth of December, and the King two days after; On the Morrow he rendred him Obedience, his Chancellor Antony du Prat pronoun∣ced the Words bare-headed, and on his Knees; the King standing by cover'd, [Year of our Lord 1515] confirmed them, by bowing his Head and Shoulders. After that they lock'd themselves up for three Days together in the Palace.

There it was that the young King, for vain hopes, and by the Advice and Counsel of his Chancellor, condescended to abolish the Pragmatick, and to make the Concordat; Whereby the Pope conceded to the King the right of nomina∣ting to Bishopricks and Abbeys in all the Territories of the Kingdom of France and Dauphine; and the King granted to the Pope, the Annates of those great Benefices upon the foot of their currant Revenue, which were augmented above the one half, since the discovery* 1.158 of the Indies. The Holy Father, very free of other Folks Money, made him a Present of two Tenths upon the Cler∣gy, and the Title of Emperour of the East. But the King refused the last.

At the same Time, the renewed Alliance with the Swisse was concluded, not∣withstanding the Contrivances of the English. It was upon these Conditions, That they should serve France with, and against all, excepting the Pope, the Emperor and the Empire; That they should surrender the Valleys of Milanois; That the King should pay them six hundred thousand Crowns; and should continue to them their Pensions. Five of the Cantons did at that time refuse to Sign to this.

[Year of our Lord 1515] When the King had taken Care for the security of Milan, where he left the Constable with seven hundred Men at Arms, and ten thousand Foot Soldiers, he parted from Bologna the fifteenth of December, and by great Journeys came to his Mother and his Wife who staid for him at Lyons.

[Year of our Lord 1516] His happy Progress, and his new Alliances, kindled the greater jealousy in the Emperor King Ferdinand, and the King of England his Son in law, in so much as they 〈…〉〈…〉 common Consent to make a War upon him, both in Italy and France at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time. To which the King of England was inclined with the more heat and ••••erness, as being incensed, for that the King hindred him from governing the young King and the Kingdom of Scotland, by such People as were dependant on him.

But as they were taking their Measures for this Design, it hapned that King Ferdi∣nand, as he was going to Seville, died in the little Village of Madrigalet, the two and twentieth of February of a Dropsy, occasioned by a Beverage, which Germain his Wife had given him, to enable him to get Children. Guichardin making his Elogy, says there was nothing to be reproved in him, but his not observing or keeping his Word; and that as for the Avarice they reproach him with, it was manifest at his Death, he was not stained with it; because he left but very little Money in his Coffers: He adds that this Calumny proceeded from the corrupt judgment of Men, who more applaud the Prodigality of a Prince which oppresses and grinds his Subjects, then the good Husbandry of One, that thriftily manages their Substance as a good and careful Father of his Family ought to do.

He left the Government of Arragon, to his Bastard Son Bishop of Saragossa, and that of Castille to Francis Ximenes Cardinal Bishop of Toledo. His Daughter Jane was Distracted still, and shut up in a Castle, where she clambred along the Walls, and crawled up the Tapistry Hangings like a Cat.

Four Months after, on the six and twentieth of June, John d'Albret, who might have made some stirrs in the Kingdom of Navarre, whence Ferdinand had turn'd him out, ended his Days in a Village in Bearn. Catharine de Foix his Wife survived him but eight Months. Their Son Henry aged but fourteen years, inherited the Title of that Kingdom, of which he had nothing left him, but the little Parcel on this side of the Pyreneans.

[Year of our Lord 1516] The Death of Ferdinand gave King Francis the opportunity and desire of march∣ing his Armies into the Kingdom of Naples, which in this juncture was half re∣volted

He imagined that Charles having need of him for a Passage, that he might go and take Possession of the Spanish Dominions, and withal, being under the apprehension of some trouble in the Succession to the Kingdom of Arragon, the ancient Laws thereof not allowing the Daughters, nor any descended from them to come to the Crown, durst not hinder him in this Enterprize, and would even be obliged to let him have the Kingdom of Naples.

But he did not know, that though Charles himself should have consented the Politicks of Italy could never suffer it, what Affection soever they might seem to shew him. In effect the Pope under-hand procured the English, the Swisse, and the Medicis to break his Measures. The Emperor on his side, being entred into Milanois with twenty thousand Swisse, of the five Cantons, ten thousand Germans, and four or five thousand Horse, amongst whom were the Cardinal of Sion, and the banished Milaneses, after the having refreshed and relieved Bress and Verona, which were straightned by the Venetians and the French joyned together, passed the River Addo in the beginning of the Spring, ravaged all the Country between that River, and those of the Po and Olli, and gave so much Terror to the French, that they were ready to abandon Milan, and likewise fired the very Suburbs, by the malicious advice of the Venetians, who ever hated the Milanese, ra∣ther then out of any real Necessity.

[Year of our Lord 1516] Had he gone on directly, perhaps they would have given ground: his slowness gave the Constable time to provide himself so well, that they startled not upon his approach. But himself being informed of twelve thousand Swisse, who were come to the Constable, knowing the brutish Avarice of that Nation, and that he had no Money to pay his own, he on the sudden decamped and repassed the River Addo.

He remained there some Weeks, giving still much dread to the French, be∣cause their Swisse refused to Fight the Swisse that were in his Army: and at length even retired: but at three Weeks end, most of his Troops moulder'd to nothing for want of Pay, his Swisse returned by the Valtoline, and three thou∣sand of the Germans and Spaniards went over to the Constable.

It was not doubted, but the Pope had been of intelligence with the Emperor for this irruption, since Marc Anthony Colomna appeared in his Army; Not∣withstanding the King could not believe it, so well was he persuaded of his Affection, and faithfully observing the Treaty, permitted him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dispossess Francis Maria of the Dutchy of Ʋrbin, to bestow it on 〈…〉〈…〉 Medicis his Nephew, although he had put himself into his Protection.

If the Grandeur of King Francis, Young, War-like and Rich•• were formidable to the Italians, they beheld another Springing up, now, who astonished them much more. I speak of Charles Heir to Spain, Naples, Sicilia, and the Low-Countries, and who being in a fair Way of succeeding to the Empire after his Grand-father, could not fail when once he had attained to it, of desiring to re-unite Italy to the other as being indeed the Head. Now they found that to drive out those two great Powers, who held it at both ends, there was no way to do it; That to keep the Ballance steady between them, was to undertake an impossibility, and besides it were to expose themselves to be the Theater and Prey to Forreign Arms; and to cast themselves all on one side, were to bring in an Absolute Master, and slavery beyond all redemption.

That it might not look as if the Concordat made between the King and the Pope, were a simple convention between two particulars, the Council of Lateran ha∣ving caused it to be read in their last Session, which was the fifteenth of Decem∣ber, confirmed it by their Authority: but the Clergy of France, the Universities, the Parliaments, and all understanding and good Men opposed it by their Com∣plaints, Remonstrances, Protestations and Appeals to future Councils. However at two Years end they were fain to submit to absolute Authority, and Regi∣ster the Concordat in Parliament. Thus under Colour of taking away the In∣conveniences of Elections which might well have been remedied, they au∣thorised others which are insinitely greater, and can never have any Re∣dress.

The Councel of Charles of Austria, found it was necessary for his Affairs that he should renew the Alliance with King Francis, thereby to have free Passage into Spain. This was done by the Treaty of Noyon the sixteenth of August, between the Lords Arthur de Goussier Boisy, and William de Crovy Chovres, who had been Governors of two Kings, and the first Grand Maistre of the Royal House.

It was agreed amongst other Articles; That Charles should marry Louisa the Kings Eldest Daughter, or upon her default the second, if another were born, or if no other were born, Renee the Queens Sister; who for her Dowry should have that part the King pretended to the Kingdom of Naples, with reversion in his Favor in case of want of Issue; That Charles should pay an hundred thousand Crowns yearly, for the maintenance of this Daughter; That he should give up Navarre within six Months to Henry d'Albret; If not that after the expiration of that term the King should be permitted to assist him; That the Emperor should be admitted into this Treaty, if he would come in; That if he rendred Verona to the Venetians, they should pay him two hundred thousand, Crowns, and that the King should give him an Acquittance for the three hundred thousand, which King Lewis XII. had lent him to make War upon them.

[Year of our Lord 1517] Though the Emperor had again made an Attempt, with Success enough by General Rocandolf, to revictual Verona, which the French and Venetians blocked up, he dispaired nevertheless to keep it any long time, because all the Avenues were shut. For this reason, he rather chose, according to his covetous Humour, to surrender it to Lautree, who restored it to the Venetians for the Summ mention∣ed by the Treaty. After this he wholly laid aside the Fancy of further Con∣quests in Italy, and he moreover permitted the five Cantons, who had refused the Confederation with France, to accept of it as well as the other eight.

By all ways and means the King desired to gain the Pope, for his Designs in Italy. And for this reason, he assisted him with his Forces against Francis Maria de la Rovere, who made War upon him to regain his Dutchy; for this Lord up∣on the hopes of Booty, had drawn into his Service, the Troops of either Party, that had been disbanded after the giving up of Verona. Moreover his Wife be∣ing deliver'd of her first Son the last day of February, he would needs have Lau∣rence de Medicis, who was come into France to marry Margaret Daughter of [Year of our Lord 1517] John Earl of Auvergne, Boulogne and Laraguez, hold it at the Font, in the Name of the Pope his Uncle. This Couple died both within the Year, and yet left a Daughter named Catharine, who afterwards was Queen of France.

The War of Ʋrbin lasted some eight Months, the Spanish Troops having been regained by force of all-powerful Money by the Medicis, Francis Maria was apprehensive, left they would deliver him into their Hands, and retired to Man∣toua. The Emperor continued the Truce for five Years with the Venetians, for twenty thousand Crowns, they were to pay him each Year; and the King desiring to fasten and secure the Confederation with the Pope by some fresh Ties, gave up into his Hands again the writing, whereby he had obliged himself to surren∣der Reggio and Modena to the Duke of Ferrara.

Christendom enjoy'd a most Ʋniversal Calm, when She was troubled with two of the most horrible Scourges, or Plagues, that did ever torment Her. Selim the Turkish Sultan having conquer'd Syria, laid Ismael Sophy's Power in the Dust, extinguish'd the domi∣nation of the Mamalucs in Egypt, by the utter defeat and death of Campson the last Egyptian Sultan, vaunted that in quality of Successor to Constantine the Great, he should soon bring all Europe under his Empire; and at the same Time the Bowels of the Church began to be torn and rent, by a Schisme that hitherto no Remedies have been able to take away.

The first Evil, gave occasion for the birth of the second. Pope Leo desiring to oppose all the Forces of Christendom, against the furious Progress of the Turks, had sent his Legates to all the Christian Princes, and formed a great Project to attack the In∣sidels, both by Sea and Land. Now to excite the Peoples Devotion, and get their Alms [Year of our Lord 1517. 18, 19. and the following.] and Benevolence for so good a Work, he sent some according to the usual Custom in such Cases practic'd, to preach Indulgences in every Province. This Commission, according to the allotments made of a long time, amongst the four Orders Mendicants, belonged to the Augustins in Germany: Nevertheless Albert Archbishop of Mentz, either of his own Head, or by Order from Rome, allots and gives it to the Jacobins. The Augu∣stins finding themselves wronged in their Interest, which is the great Spring, even of the most Religious Societies, Camplain, make a Noise, and fly to Revenge. Amongst [Year of our Lord 1517] these there was a Monk named Martin Luther, of Islebe in the County of Mansfield, Doctor and Rcader in Theologie, in the Ʋniversity of Witemberg, a bold Spirit, Im∣petuous, and Eloquent; John Stampis their General commanded him to preach against these Questors. They furnished him but with too much Matter: for they made Traf∣fick and Merchandize of those sacred Treasures of the Church, they kept their Courts or

Shops rather in Taverns, and consumed great part of what they gained or collected in [Year of our Lord 1517] Debauches, and it was certainly known besides, that the Pope intended to apply considera∣ble Summs to his own proper use.

Perhaps it would have been better done to prevent these Disorders, only to have re∣removed the occasion of his clamor; but the thing seemed not worth while, to trouble their Heads about it. In the mean time the Quarrel grew high, and was heated by Declamations, Theses, and Books on either side. Frederic Duke of Saxony, whose Wisdom and Vertue was exemplary in Germany, maintained him and even animated him, as well for the Honor of his new Ʋniversity of Witemberg, which this Monk had brought in reputation, as in hatred to the Archbishop of Ments, with whom he had other disputes. He at first began with proposing of Doubts, then being hard beset, and too roughly handled, he engaged to maintain and make them good, in the very Sence they condemned them in. They had neither the Discretion to stop his Mouth, or seize up∣on him: but threatning him before he was in their Power, he takes shelter; and then keeping no more Decorum, he throws off his Mask, and not only declaimed, against the Pope, and against the Corruptions of the Court of Rome, but likewise opposed the Church of Rome, in many Points of Her Doctrine.

And truly the extream ignorance of the Clergy, many of them scarce able to read, the scandalous Lives of the Pastors, most of them Concubinaries, Drunkards and Ʋsu∣rers, and their extreme negligence gave him a fair advantage to persuade the People, that the Religion they taught was corrupt, since their Lives and Examples were so bad. At the same Time, or as others say, a Year before, to wit in Anno 1516. Ulric Zuinglius Curate at Zuric began to expose his Doctrine in that Swisse Canton; and since almost every Year, new Evangelists have arisen, in such Swarms, that it would be difficult to number them.

[Year of our Lord 1518] Every Day brought forth some occasion of difference between the King and Charles of Austria, the Lords de Chevres and de Boisy met at Montpellier to de∣termine them: but the Death of de Boisy, made that great Work be left im∣perfect; William his Brother Lord de Bonnivet, much less wise then he, held the same Rank in the Kings Favor, who made him Admiral of France.

[Year of our Lord 1518] About the same Time, John Jacques Trivulcio lost it, and died for Grief at the Burrough of Chastres under Montlehery. Lautree his antagonist, had given the King an ill impression of him, upon his being made a Burgher amongst the Swisse; and his Brother and others of his Kindred puting themselves into the Venetians Service.

There had been some Seeds of division sowed, between the King of France, and the King of England: their Counsels, before things grew to a greater height, thought sit to unite them by a new Alliance. The Admiral therefore going to London, made a Treaty to this effect; That the King of England should give his Daughter, as then but four years of age, to the Daufin not yet compleatly one year old; That there should be a defensive League between the two Crowns, and that Tournay should be restored to the King of France; who should pay two hundred and sixty thousand Crowns for the Expences the English had been at there, and three hundred thousand more in twelve years time, besides that he should acknowledge to have received other three hundred thousand for the Dow∣ry of the little Princess. The King not having the Money ready, gave six Lords in Hostage, and by this means got Tournay. It was likewise agreed that the two Kings should have an entre-view at their convenient time, between Boulogn and Calais.

In Maximilian's Councel, it was judged more proper for the Grandeur of the House of Austria, to give the Empire to the Arch-Duke Charles his Grandson, then to Ferdinand his younger Brother, to whom for the same reason King Fer∣dinand his Grand-father would not leave his Kingdom of Arragon, who bred him in his own Court. And therefore Maximilian treated with the Electors, to get them to design him King of the Romans: but before he had accomplished that af∣fair he died at Lints in Austria, aged sixty three years, the two and twentieth day [Year of our Lord 1519] of January in Anno 1519.

After his Death, King Francis and Charles declared themselves Aspirers or Competitors for the Imperial Crown, without shewing however the lest picque against one another. Of the Capetine Race none but Charles Earl of Valois, had hitherto desired it. The Swisse denied Francis their Intercession with the Ele∣ctors: the Pope pretended to favor him, but he was not either for one or other

[Year of our Lord 1519] of these two Princes, because they were too Potent: and if he recommended Francis, it was to get the Suffrages from Charles, and by this Intrigue to turn their Eyes and Thoughts toward some other German Prince. The Electors for the same reason were in suspence a good while: at the beginning the Palatine, Triers, and Brandenburgh, seemed to be for Francis, and the latter promised to gain the Archbishop of Ments his Brother likewise. But when he had singer'd his Money, and it came to give their Votes, Ments pleaded stoutly for Charles, and Brandenburgh seconded him; Triers kept his Word. The reputation of his Victories in Italy spake advantageously for the King, and the War the Turks threatned Germany withal, ought to have made him more considerable then Charles, who had as yet done nothing, and promised but little more. But he was not of the German Nation: besides, the more he seemed to merit, the more they feared he would reduce the German Princes to a low condition, as his Pre∣decessors had reduced those of France; and if there were apprehensions of op∣pression on either Hand, it did not appear so visibly on Charles's side, nor seem to be so neer in likelihood from him, who was five years younger then the other, and of no very promising Genius. In fine, upon all these considerations, and with three hundred thousand Crowns, brought even a year before into Germany, and not distributed but to good purpose, Charles carried it, and was elected at Franc∣fort the twentieth of June, being at that instant in Spain, whither he was gone al∣most two years before.

Though King Francis set a good face upon it, yet this refusal went to his Heart, and he could not but imagine that Charles being Master of so many great Estates, would revenge the Injuries done to his Grand-father, and those of the House of Burgundy. For this reason he applied himself with more care to gain the friendship of the Pope, and the King of England: but the Pope followed Fortune, and invested Charles with the Kingdom of Naples, notwithstanding the constitution of his Predecessors, which forbid that the said Kingdom and the Em∣pire should be in the same Hand.

[Year of our Lord 1520] The election of Charles of Austria, hastned the enterview of the King, and Henry of England; This was done in the Month of June between Ardres and Guines. The two Kings equally Pompous and Vain, made their magnificence appear to the highest profusion. Francis expended more there then the Emperor did at his Coro∣nation, and put his Nobless to great inconveniences, who ever imitate their Princes, but more readily in their Excess, then in their Wisdom. This enter-view was called the Camp of Cloath of Gold. After they had saluted each other on Horse-back, they went into a Pavilion erected expresly, with two or three Ministers of State belong∣ing to either King, and there talked a few Moments about their Affairs. That done they left the care thereof to them, and spent ten or twelve days together in Feastings and Turnaments at Nights. Francis returned to Ardres, and Henry to Guines. Before they parted they confirmed their Treaty by solemn Oath upon the the Holy Communion, which they received together.

But soon after Francis, who too credulous built already on the Amity of the English, might plainly perceive what stress he was to lay upon so jealous, and so inconstant a Foundation. Charles V. coming from Spain by Sea to the Low-Countries, that from thence he might go to Aix to take the Crown, passed first over into England, and saw Henry with less splendor, and perhaps more Fruit then he. For the King of England promis'd him, that in case any Difference hapned between him and Francis, he would be Arbitrator, and declare him∣self Enemy to him that would not stand to his Award or Judgment.

His Intention was not to joyn with either the one or the other, but to keep himself in the midst, and be sought to by them both, giving them to understand that he could make the Ballance sway to that side he turned to; As he seemed to point out to King Francis at their late enter-view, at Ardres, where over his Tent* 1.159 Door, he had caused the Figure of an Archer to be placed with these Words,* 1.160 He that accompanies or joyns with him is Master. This was the Method he used all his Life.

The two and twentieth of October Charles was crowned at Aix la Chapelle, and assigned a Diet at Wormes for the Month of January following. In the mean time not staying for the Judgment of of the Assembly, being at Colen he condemned [Year of our Lord 1520] [Year of our Lord 1520] Luther's Books to the Fire as Heretical: but this so hasty proceeding he made more Friends and Defenders, then Enemies. In revenge Luther without respect either for Pope or Emperor, was so confident as to burn the Book of the De∣cretals,

which he asserted to be contrary to the Word of God, in several Passa∣ges he had extracted from them.

[Year of our Lord 1520. & 21.] The Spaniards grew angry that their King had left them to go into Germany, andbesides they could not endure the Government of the Flemmish; for after the Death of that memo∣rable Cardinal Ximene, he left the Administration of Affairs to the Lord de Chevres. They complained that those Strangers heaped up all their fairest Pieces of Gold, and that they took into their Hands, or sold the greatest Offices, and the richest Benefices; amongst others the Archbishoprick of Toledo, wherewith the Lord de Chevres had provided his Brother. Some Grandees of that Country, who thought to do their busi∣ness in the absence of a Prince, whom they esteemed of little Courage, kindled the Fire, and made a League which they called la Sancta Junta; Toledo and the greatest Cities came into it, and the Chief Officers that commanded their Forces, were John de Pa∣dillia and Antonio d'Acugno Bishop of Zamora.

They had a Design of giving the Kingdom of Arragon to Ferdinand Son of that Frederic, that died in France, and to make him come in with some Colour, would mar∣ry him to Jane the Frantick Mother of Charles V. whom they siezed upon; but whether he doubted the event, or stood upon the Honor of keeping his Faith, he rejected the pro∣position and would not stir out of the Castle, where Charles V. had left him. In the mean while the Vice-Rois of Castille and Arragon, with the rest of the King's Ser∣vants, having armed themselves against the Rebels, lopp'd off by little and little the Bran∣ches of that Party, and then fell'd it almost quite down, by the defeat of their united For∣ces, and the deaths of Padillia, and the Bishop, both slain in that Battle.

Now whilst the Vice-Rois had drained the Garrisons of most of the Places in Navarre to defend themselves against the revolted, it had been easie for King Francis to have regained that Kingdom: but he did not dream of it till the Spring following, and then he sent an Army thither commanded by Andrew de Foix Lord de L'Esparre Brother of Lautree, who recover'd it all in few days. He met [Year of our Lord 1521] no resistance but at the Castle of Pampelonna, who stood out till he battered them, and then surrendred upon Composition.

Innigo de Loyola d'Ognez a young Gentleman of Guipuscoa, who had put him∣self into the Castle with some other Volunteers, was wounded upon the Walls with a Splinter, by a Cannon Shot which broke his Thigh, and made him Lame all his Life. After which being retired to his own House, he was touched with a most fervent Zeal and Devotion, and was afterwards Institutor and Head of the great and famous Company, or Society of Jesus, which hath extended it self into all the Parts of the World.

L'Esparre instead of satisfying himself with Navarre, and putting it in a good Posture, entred upon Castille, and besieged Logrogne. The Vice-Rois who returned from subduing the Rebels, and who nevertheless would not have thought of assaulting him, if he had not first fallen upon their Country, marched [Year of our Lord 1521] directly to him to fight him. Now his Lieutenant General Saincte Colombe, ha∣ving cashier'd part of his Men, that he might put half by his false Musters into his Pocket, he found himself too weak, and retired near Pampelonna. And there he committed a second Fault, greater then the first: for without staying for a re-inforcement of six thousand Men, who were coming to him out of France, he rashly gave them Battle; and was beaten for his Pains, and so grievously wound∣ed in the face, that he remained blind.

Pampelonna and all the rest of the Kingdom was lost in as short a time as it had been reconquer'd. The Emperors Councel, to prevent the Revolts of the No∣bility of the Country, affectionate to their Natural King, caused all the Castles to be demolished, and dismantled all the Towns, excepting Pampelonna, du Pont de la Reine, and d'Estella.

[Year of our Lord 1521] This War did not contravene to the Treaty of Noyon, since the six Months were expir'd: but there were otherguess Subjects of hatred between Charles and Francis. For this last complained that Charles did not pay him the hundred thousand Crowns, as he had promis'd by the Treaty of Noyon, for the maintenance of his Daughter, and by consequence, that he had no mind to compleat the Marriage, That his Agents had spoken ill of him in the Diets, and in the Courts of the Princes of Germany; That he had debauched Philbert de Chaalon Prince of

Orange from him; and that he cabaled in Italy to put the Dutchy of Milan in disturbance. Charles on the contrary, was angry that he had taken under his Pro∣tection William Duke of Gueldres, a sworn Enemy to his House and to the Low-Countries, and said that he unjustly detained from him the Dutchy of Bur∣gundy.

Francis was the more forward to undertake, because he levied Subsidies as he pleased; whereas Charles could get no Money without a great deal of trouble, the Kingdoms of Spain, and the Low-Countries, having yet in those Times all their Liberties and Priviledges entire: but then he was a much better Manager, and made but very few idle Expences.

In such a disposition were they towards each other, that nothing could be able to prevent them from coming to Daggers-drawing, but a third Party. The King of England kept himself Neutral enough, and designed only to be Arbitra∣tor. The Pope did not do the same, for he first Treated a private League with the King, wherein he obliged himself to assist him for the regaining the King∣dom of Naples for his second Son, upon condition he should bestow a part thereof upon a Nephew of the Holy FAthers, and that the other Part, during the Mino∣rity of the young Prince, should be governed by a Legate from the Holy See, [Year of our Lord 1521] (This was to speak properly to keep it all for himself.) Then three Months af∣ter, he changed his Mind, and turns to the Emperor's side. Some believed he did this, as burning with a desire of regaining Parma and Piacenza which Juli∣us II. had possessed himself of, though unjustly; Others said it was that he was angry they did not receive his Bulls at Milan with submission enough, nay that sometimes they rejected them with scorn.

Whatever it were, he entred into a League with the Emperor for the mutual defence of their Countries, to re-establish Francis Sforza in the Dutchy of Mi∣lan, and to recover the Dutchy of Ferrara for the benefit of the Holy See, to which it appertained. The Lord de Chevres who was then at the Diet of Wormes, having heard of this Treaty which was made without his knowledg, died of grief repeating these Words often, Ah! what a World of Mischiefs! His Brother the Archbishop of Toledo, whom he had taken along with him, went out of this World sometime before him.

The King being at Remorentine in Berry, upon Twelfth day, as he was sporting, and in jest attacked the Count de Sainct Pol's House with Snow-Balls, who with his Companions were defending it with the same Artillery; it infortunately hapned that a Fire-brand thrown by some hot-brained fellow, hit him on the Head and grievously wounded him, for which they were forced to cut off his Hair. Now he having a very large high Fore-head, and besides the Swiss and Italians wearing short Locks and long Beards, he found this Fashion more pleasing to his Fancy, and follow'd it. His example made all France coppy this Mode, who held it till the Reign of Lewis XIII. when by little and little they shortned their Beards, and let their Locks grow, till at last they left neither Hair on the Cheeks nor on the Chin, and Nature not being able to fur∣nish them with a stock so thick and long, as they fancied would be most becoming, they have thought it best shave their Heads, and wear Perruques of Womens more delicate and longer Hair for Ornament.

[Year of our Lord 1520. & 21.] Now here begins the event of the Melancholly Prognosticks of the Lord de Chevres. Robert de la Mark Lord of Sedan and Duke of Bouillon, having suf∣fer'd disgrace in the Court of France, because of the many Robberies committed by his Gentsdarmes, went to the Emperors, whither he was enticed by the Bi∣shop of Liege his Brother, a man very powerful there. Now it hapned that the Emperors Councel received an Appeal from a Judgment, which the Pairs of his Dutchy of Bouillon had given in a certain Cause between the Lords de Simay and [Year of our Lord 1521] d'Emery; Robert being turbulent and impetuous, took this for an Affront to his ho∣nour, and would revenge it.

He came therefore to the King at Remorentin, who was under cure of his Wound, and his Wife having before-hand prepared the way, reconciled him∣self to him, and put himself under his Protection. At his departure thence, he was so rash, as to send a Challenge of Desiance to the Emperor in the Diet at Wormes, and afterwards Florenges his Son with three thousand Men, besieged Vi∣reton in Luxembourgh.

Immediately the King of England undertaking to be Mediator, sends to Fran∣cis, whom he took to be the chief Promoter of this Challenge, to intreat him not to commence a War; Francis takes his Advice, and commands Florenges away from Vireton; but the Emperor did not take this for satisfaction; he would not have it said, that a Man whose Ancestors had been Domestick Servants to the House of Burgundy, should have braved him impunitively. He raised a great Army, the command whereof he gave to Henry Count of Nassaw, who took four or five little Places from Robert, and caused some Soldiers of the Garrisons to be hanged on the Battlements. After this the Emperor being in some measure satisfi∣ed, granted him a Truce of forty Days.

At the same time the Lord de Liques a Hennuyer * 1.161, seized upon the City of Saint Amand in Tournesis, under pretence of some Dispute he had with Lewis Car∣dinal of Bourbon, who was the Abbot. He afterwards besieged Mortain, which he said belonged to him. The Captain who was in it, gave it up upon Condi∣tion to have his Life and Goods spared: but the Emperors Men ransacked the Garrison; Then the Governor of Flanders laid siege to Tourney.

The King could interpret these Undertakings, for no other then a Declaration of War: however the Emperor would not own them as yet, having the like De∣sign upon many other Frontier Places which he intended to execute without men∣tioning a Word; and besides he dreaded the King of England, who would needs be Mediator, and therefore wished both the one and the other to send their De∣puties to him at Calais, there to make known their difference, giving them plain∣ly to understand, that he would declare himself an open Enemy to him that should refuse.

They were therefore obliged, either of them being affraid to have him their Enemy, to send Ambassadors to him. Those from the King, were James de Cha∣banes la Palisse Mareschal of France, the Chancellor du Prat, and John de Selve, first President of Parliament, who went to attend Henry at Calais. At first those on behalf of the Emperor demanded no less then the Dutchy of Burgundy, and that the King should acquit him of all Homage, as well for that Country, as for the Counties of Flanders and Artois, because the subjection as Vassal, said they, did injury to the Imperial Majesty.

[Year of our Lord 1521] During this Conference of Calais, the Count de Nassaw with the Emperors Army passed the Meuse and besieged Mouzon. The Soldiers that were in it frighted to see themselves exposed and laid open to a Battery that was on the Hill, compell'd their Commanders to demand composition. There were two of them, who were so imprudent, as to go both together to Nassaw to make it, and by this over-sight they had no Terms, but what were very disadvanta∣gious.

The Chevalier Bayard behaved himself much more generously against the At∣tacks of the same General, for he not only defended himself like a brave Soldi∣er, but made such a Division by counterfeit Letters between Nassaw and Sicking∣ben, who commanded that part of the Imperial Army on this side the Meuse, that he made them raise their Siege.

It appears to me, if I have rightly observed, that in this Siege the Enemies made use of that sort of Artifice or Engines, since called Bombes, which are great Granados, long, or round, loaden with Gun-Powder, and shot out of a Morter-piece that they may fall in some certain place, where they work a double Mischief, both by the weight of their fall, and the great violence of the Powder, which is set on fire by a Fusee, so disposed that in a Moment it causes the Bombe to burst, after it's fall, and breaks and tears all that is either above it, nor neer hand about it.

In this Retreat Nassaw having fired all in his way, putting Men, Women and Children to the Sword, especially in the City of Aubenton, gave the first beginning to Burnings, and Massacrings of Innocents.

The King having drawn his Forces together, had his revenge for this Affront of the Emperors; he regained Mouzon, burnt and dismantled Bapaume, reduced Landrecy and Bouchain. Then with his whole Army passed the Scheld over a Bridge, made for the purpose, to seek out the Emperor, who with his own was come to Valenciennes: but he staid not for him, retiring from thence under the fa∣vor of a very thick Fogg.

[Year of our Lord 1521] Upon this occasion, the King to content his Mother, began to discontent the Constable Charles de Bourbon; for he gave the command of the Van-Guard to the Duke of Alenson, first Prince of the Blood, and who had married his Sister, but a Man of shallow understanding and uncertain Courage. Which is more, he slighted the good Advice he gave him, to fall upon the Emperor's Army in their Retreat, when no doubt he might have put them into great disorder. In his whole life he never met again with so fair an opportunity, though he sought it every where; it seemed as if Fortune displeased that he would not lay hold of her Favor then, had sworn to avoid and fly from him, and never make him the like happy proffer again.

The Grave, Tacite and Haughty Humor of Charles de Bourbon, did not sute well with the King's, which was Pleasant, Free and Open: And withal Ma∣dame mortally offended that he disdained the Love she had for him, push'd on her Resentments all the ways imaginable, till in the end, she had her revenge upon him at the expence of her Son and the whole Kingdom of France.

An old Tradition, but which hath more the countenance of Falshood, then of Truth, says that this Princess desiring to marry the Constable, had perswaded the King this Match would be greatly to his advantage; for since he could have no Children by her, the rich Succession of that House of Bourbon would by con∣sequence revert to him, according to some agreement or pact made with Lew∣is XI. That the King was allured by this advantage, and having one day spoken of his Mother to the Constable, that Prince who had an Aversion to her, made some reply that reflected on her Honor, at which the King was so offended that he gave him a Box on the Ear.

The Admiral Bonnivet having feigned a March towards Pampelonna, turned short by Saint John de Luz, and besieged Fontarabia; which surrendred after the first Assault the eighteenth of October. The Deputies from the King and the Emperor were still at Calais, with the King of England, labouring to adjust their Differences, and take away all such stumbling Blocks as might occasion the like hereafter. They were agreed upon every thing, having covenanted that the Emperor should raise the Siege of Tournay, and recal his Troops out of Milan, thereupon came news of the taking of Fontarabia; and he refused to ratify the Treaty, unless they would restore that place to him.

This would have created no trouble, if as soon as they had taken it the wise counsel of Claude Duke of Guise had been followed, who would have had it raz∣ed and the materials brought to Andaye, right over against it on the hither Shoar of the River Bidasso. But Bonnivet full of the vain desire to perpetuate the Glory of his Conquest, which he exalted as high as that of any Kingdom, per∣suaded the King to preserve it; and by this means a Fantastical and Ambiti∣ous Minister involved the Kingdom of France in a War of eight and thirty [☞] Years.

The King was encamped on the Banks of the Scheld, when the Courier brought him the Treaty of Calais: He remained there some Days▪ but finding the Floods so great, and the Ways so bad, that it was impossible for him to relieve Tournay, he retired into Picardy, having left part of his Men with the Constable and the Duke of Vendosme, who took Hesdin, and some Castles of small Im∣portance. Being at Compiegne, he sent Word to Champroux, who commanded in Tournay, to make his Composition the most honorably that he possibly could, as he did the first of December, after a three Months Blockade and Siege.

In Italy the Pope and Emperor not having been able to make Genoa and Milan revolt by the Intrigues of the Banished, proceeded to open force. Lau∣trec who was Governor of Milanois, was come into France, to compleat his Marriage with the Daughter of N. d'Albret d'Orval; and the Mareschal de Les∣cun his Brother supply'd his place. This Man furnish'd the Pope with a pretend∣ed Cause, who could find out no just one to break with the King. His Brother and himself being haughty and severe, had proscrib'd many of the Milanese: Jeremy Moron, who had been Senator of Milan under Lewis XII. and mightily cherish'd by that King, was of the number, being picqued for that Francis I. had refused to make him Master of Requests. Lescun having notice that these Ex∣iles were assembled together at Reggio, went thither with fifteen hundred Horse, and endeavour'd to surprize the Town. The Pope made loud Complaints in the Consistory, and protested that Francis having violated the Alliance that was

betwixt them, he thought himself no longer obliged to keep it: but he would [Year of our Lord 1521] by no means confess that he had broken it first, that his Gallies were gone to surprize Genoa, and that he had an Army in readiness to enter upon Milan un∣der the command of Prosper Colomna and Frederic Gonzague Marquiss of Man∣toua, whom he had inviegled from the Service of the King of France.

The Tricks and Stratagems of the Exil'd were ineffectual, as well as the Voyage of the Popes Gallies. Manfroy Palavicini one of their Chiefs was ta∣ken, when he thought to take Coma; and Octavian Fregosa took such good care of Genoa, that nothing stirr'd.

In the mean time the King perceiving that he must have a War on that side, sent Lautrec thither. This Lord knowing the prodigal Humour and negligence of the King, refused to go till he could have the three hundred thousand Crowns to march along with him, which had been assigned him: but Madame and those that governed the Treasury, promised him so positively, even with the most Sacred Oaths, to send them immediately after him, that he condescended, and parted without them. And then indeed, just what he feared, hap'ned, the King having lost the sight of him, lost the remembrance of him too, and Madame, who hated him, diverted that Fund to other uses.

The Enemies had besieged Parma, Lescun had thrown himself in with five thousand Men, but two thousand forsook him. Lautrec knowing he was in dan∣ger advanced to the River Taro, which is within seven Miles of it to relieve him. At the same time News was brought to the Enemy, that the Duke of Ferrara had taken Friul and Saint Felix, and that he might come and get both Reggio and Modena from them: upon this apprehension they raised their Siege, and returned to Sainct Lazare. Their Germans for want of Pay, abandon'd them in their March; and in this disorder there had been an end of their Army, if Lautrec had but followed and charged them smartly.

He was accused for having committed another Fault likewise. The Enemies having passed the River Po, had lodged themselves in the little Town of Rebec∣que, situate on the Oglio four Miles from Pontevique, which is Land belonging to the Venetians. They believed themselves to be in security there, because the Venetians, though Confederate with the King, would not open their City Gates to the French: but they were mistaken, for they suffer'd Lautrec to enter. This General having a Strength equal to theirs, had infallibly defeated them, had he but drawn neer their Camp and pent them up close; for by this means they could not have had room to draw up in Battalia, nor could they have staid there above two or three days, wanting Ovens to bake their Ammunition-Bread: but he amu∣sing himself with fi••ing upon them from Pontevic, they quietly stole away in the Night, and repassed the Oglio.

Hitherto they had given ground to the French: but now their Strength in∣creasing, they are going to give them Chace: The ten thousand Swisse which the Cardinal de Sion had obtained of the Cantons for defence of the Pope and the Ho∣ly See, after long deliberation whether they should follow him into Milanois, be∣cause that was to contravene their Alliance with the King, did at last joyn them near Gambara.

There hap'ned at the same time another thing very prejudicial to the French. The Lords of the Leagues had sent Couriers to command the Swisse, both of the one and the other Army, that they should return, for that it was scandalous to the Cantons to have their Ensignes set up publickly in two Camps, that were Ene∣mies to each other. Now those that carried these Orders to the Confederates Army, were corrupted and stopt in their Journy: but the others went on direct∣ly to the French Army, and delivered those Commands to such Swisse as were there. So that they immediately withdrew, and the most part without saying Adieu: but not so much out of Obedience, as hopes they should get some Mo∣ney of the Confederates, Lautrec receiving none from France, nor being able to raise enough in Milanois to satisfy them.

With what Forces he had left he got to Cassan, having left a Garrison at Cre∣mona and at* 1.162 Pizzigton, then after the Enemy had passed the Adda under the favor of the little Town of Vaury, which they seized upon, he retired to Mi∣lan: but he held it not long. For they being come to lodge at Marignan, one Day the nineteenth of November, when they believed they could not stir out of their Quarters, nor draw their Cannon, so bad was the Weather, so rotten and deep the Ways, while he was walking about the Streets unarmed, and his Bro∣ther

[Year of our Lord 1521] Lescun in Bed, tyred with his former Day's labour, he was amazed when to∣wards the Evening, they attacked the Suburbs and gained it, the Venetians that had the Guard there, basely abandoning it. At the same time the Burghers of the Gibeline Faction, let them into the City: but the Spaniard revenged the French, and made that faithless Town pay dearly for their defection, plundring them for eight days together.

He then drew together round about the Castle all the Men he had, and after he had put Men enough into it, instead of charging the Enemy, whilst they were in disorder and separated, he resolves to retire the same Night to Coma, and thence to the Country of Bergamo. Soon after Coma was taken by the Marquiss of Pescara, Parma abandoned by the too precipitate Order of Lautrec, and Pia∣cenza delivered by her Citizens to the Confederates.

The over-joy for so much good Success moved Pope Leo so much, that the very Night he received it, he was seized with a kind of a Feavor; of which, or of some other more hidden Cause he died at Rome, the first Day of December. Now he having projected this War, and furnished Money for maintaining of the Army, it might be judg'd that upon his Death the French should have recover'd their advantage, seeing they had still in their Hands all the best Places in the Dutchy, the Castle of Milan, Cremona, Piacenza, Novarra, Alexandria, seven or eight strong Forts, and the City of Genoa; the Colledg of Cardinals troubling themselves so little with those Affairs, that the Duke of Ferrara easily regained all the Towns that Leo had taken from him, Francis Maria the Dutchy of Ʋr∣bin, and moreover that of Camerin, which he wrested from John de Varane, and Baillon the City of Perugia. But the Affront they received at Parma, being beaten off by a very few Soldiers and People half armed, gave other Towns the greater Courage to resist them; After which the two Armies rested near sixs Week without undertaking any thing, the French for want of Men, and indeed both of them for want of Money.

[Year of our Lord 1522] The Holy See having been vacant more then two Months, by reason of the Dis∣cords which the interests of particular Men, and the division of their Affections be∣tween the King and the Emperor, occasioned in the Conclave: the Cardinals elected Adrian Florent Cardinal Bishop of Tortosa, a Hollander by birth, who had been Tutor to the Emperor, and at that time Governed Spain; all the World, nay they them∣selves after it was done, wondring how, out of I do no know what giddy Fancy, they should go so far off for one that thought but little of them, as indeed till now, they had as little thought upon him. He came not to Rome, till the twenty ninth day of August following.

Whilst the Armies lay quiet, Prosper Colomna took great care for every thing that was necessary to preserve Milan, both for the Fortifications and the Provisi∣ons, as also for Soldiers, and principally to dispose the People to make an obsti∣nate Defence. Which he did as well by the hatred he encreased in them against the French, representing the Severities they had used towards them; and the ex∣treme Resentment and Revenge, their Nature would prompt them to, if they should ever regain that Place, from whence they had been so shamefully beaten out: as by the Affection he inspired them withal, for Francis Sforza second Son of Ludovic and Brother of Maximilian. For the deceased Pope Leo had design∣ed, by the Emperor's consent, to restore him to his Father's Dutchy, but he was yet at Trent, expecting a Levy of eight thousand Germans to conduct him thither.

Upon this, notwithstanding the Cabals of the Imperialists, the discords be∣tween the Cantons, some of them being for the King, others for the Emperor and the contrary interests of the particular Chiefs amongst them, they had gran∣ted the King in one of their Diets, a Levy of twelve thousand Swisse, who marched into Lombardy by Mount Saint Bernard, and Saint Godards Mount, un∣der the conduct of Honorius, Bastard of Savoy, Grand Maistre of France, and Galeas de Sanseverin Grand Escuyer. Soon after John de Medicis came into the King's Service also, and joyned his Army with three thousand Sol∣diers.

With two such considerable re-inforcements, and raising of some Italian Troops, Lautrec thought he might do Wonders against the City of Milan, if he posted himself about it in the Neighbourhood, either by cutting off their Sup∣plies

and Provisions, or by assaulting them in that consternation he believed the People would be in upon his approach. When he had been there already some Days, and his hopes to gain it, either by Famine or by Assault, were reduced to the Forms of a long Siege, he had information that Francis Sforza having left Trent, with his Lansquenets, and crossed Veronois and the Mantouan Terri∣tory, was arrived at Piacenza, and that the Marquiss of Mantoua, had joyned him with his Horse to convoy him to Pavia, where he was to wait a favourable op∣portunity to get to Milan. Then he decamped, and posted himself upon the Cas∣sine, which is within three Leagues of Milan to hinder his Passage, and put the Venetians into Binasque for the same purpose.

When he had been there some while he had news that his Brother was returning from France with Money and some Infantry which were Landed at Genoa: he sent four hundred Lances, and seven Thousand Swiss to Guard him. Lescun came to Novarre, whose Castles still held out for the French, and turning their great Guns upon the Town, plaid upon it so suriously that he entred it by force upon the third Assault. But this delay of some days favour'd the passage of Duke Sforza, who marching by an uncouth Rode got into Milan, and infinitely en∣creased the Courage of the Inhabitants, and their hatred against the French, by the remembrance of the mild Government of the Dukes his Predecessors. [Year of our Lord 1522]

When he was gone from Pavia, Lautrec caused it to be besieged; It was bet∣ter furnished with Men then he expected, his Soldiers were beaten off upon all their Assaults, and the great Rains which made the Tesin to overflow, and its Stream become so Rapid that they could not bring up any Boats, famished his Ar∣my. He decamped therefore and advanced as far as Monce, to receive the Mo∣ney sent him from France. While the Treasurer that brought it was at Aronca, and could not get forwards because a Party of the Enemy had lodged themselves upon their Way; the Swisse impatient to receive their Arrears, demanded leave either to be gone, or to fight the Enemies Army, without considering that they were intrenched in a Place, where nothing could be gained but Blows. Lautrec finding he could not with-hold them any longer, neither by his Promises, nor the consideration of the Posture they were in, hazarded the Battle, wherein he fore∣saw all the disadvantage would fall upon them.

The Enemies were posted in a Farm, which they called la Bicoque, three Miles from Milan, where there is a very spacious House, and Gardens round about it enclosed with deep Ditches, and Fields parted in divers places with Wa∣ter Channels, which are derived and brought thither according to the Custom of that Country, to water their Grounds. Prosper Colomna, who thought the Victory secure, stood his ground waiting their coming.

Lautrec assaulted them on three Sides, himself on one Hand, his Brother on the other, and the Swisse in the place of most Difficulty, and to gain their Can∣non. The two first did no great Matters; as for the Swisse they attack'd with fu∣ry, but the height of the Fossez stopping them, the Artillery made them fall in heaps, and the Arquebusiers who were placed amongst the Wheat, taking them in Flank, they were well paid for their rashness, by the death of three thou∣sand of theirs, so that they were constrained to retire, and having rejoyned the French, they together returned very orderly to their Quarters at Mon∣ce.

The next Day their Blood being cool'd, and Lautrec having passed the Ad∣do* 1.163 near Tressa, they even took their walk homewards thorow the Territory of Bergamo, so disheartned and baffled in Courage, for having met with such uncon∣querable resistance, that for divers Years, they did nothing worthy of their ancient Valor: but indeed became more pliable, and much more manageable then be∣fore.

For Lautrec, having put things in Order at Cremona, he retired into France to sollicite for a supply of ten thousand Men, which the Admiral Bonnivet was to transport to those Countries.

[Year of our Lord 1522] As soon as he was gone, Prosper besieged Cremona, and Lescun who was in the Place, believing it could be no prejudice to his Honor, if he made such Compo∣sition as should secure the King's Affairs without hazarding ought, capitulated to leave the Place within forty Days, which expir'd the six and twentieth of June, with Arms, Colors flying, and his Artillery, if within that time, there did not come an Army that should pass over the River Po by force, or should take some considerable Place in the Dutchy of Milan. He likewise promised that all

the others held by the King in Milanois, should be evacuated, excepting the Ca∣stles of Cremona of Novara, and of Milan.

The time being come, he got some few days more to be added, having pur∣posely started new Difficulties about the evacuation of some Castles, which being setled, he executed the Treaty, and came back into France. Before he departed he had the further displeasure of being informed how Prosper Colomna with his Army had made himself Master of Genoa, and made Antony Adorna Duke; the City was surprized during a conference of capitulation, which is a very dange∣rous time, and opportunity. This last Blow taking away all hopes from the King of being in a capacity to gain any thing in Milanois this year, he recal∣led those Forces he was sending, and who were already got into Aste∣san.

Though the miscarriage indeed proceeded from his own Negligence in not sending Supplies till too late, amusing himself in Hunting, Dancing, and amongst the Ladies: nevertheless John de Beaulne Samblancay Surintendant of the Finan∣ces, suffer'd for it. Madame enrag'd that he should dare to justify before the King, that she had diverted the three hundred thousand Crowns designed for Lautrec, resolved to ruine him: The Chancellor Duprat Minister of her revenge, and who besides had some jealousy of the Credit of that grave old Man, whom the King called his Father, ordered a Commission to try him, who condemn'd him to be hanged.

In the mean time, they made use of all Ways and Means to get in Money. Then did they begin to alienate the Sacred Demeasnes of the King, they con∣tinued to sell Offices of Judicature, to create great Numbers of new ones, with∣out which the Monarchy had been upheld eleven hundred years together, to raise the Tallies, and to lay several new Imposts. Publick report accused the Chancellor for advising all these things which bred so much disorder, who to flat∣ter the Covetous humor of a Woman, and the ostentation of a Young King, furnished them with expedients and confidence to overthrow all the Ancient Laws of the Kingdom, whereof by his Office he was Guardian and Defender.

[Year of our Lord 1522] The King had no less to do in Guyenne and in Picardy. The Emperor going into Spain thorow England, had prevail'd with Henry to take his part, against Francis. Arriving in Castillia he soon suppressed the remainders of the Santa Junta, punishing some few of the Seditious, pardoning the rest, and re∣warding such as deserved it: Particularly Ferdinand of Arragon who had refused to be Head of the League. He did him great Honour, and Married him to Ger∣maine de Foix, Widdow of his Grand-Father King Ferdinand who was extraor∣dinary Rich, but almost past the Age of Child-bearing.

With the Forces that were remainders of this insurrection and some others he made up an Army which besieged Fontarabria, and the King of England Landed another at Calais, having first sent a Herald to defy the King at Lyons. This being commanded by his Brother in Law the Duke of Suffolk, joyned with the Count de Bures Governor of the Low-Countries, who had one of twelve thou∣sand men: but both these made no progress, and the English were diminished one half in five Weeks time after they took the Field.

[Year of our Lord 1522] Whilst the Christian Princes were thus engaged to their mutual destruction, Solyman the Turkish Sultan, who Succeeded his Father Selim II. two years since, was now lodg'd upon the Ramparts of Christendom. For the preceding year he took the City of Belgrade in Hungary, and this year he wrested Rhodes out of the hands of the Knights of St. John's. It was believed Pope Adrian might have saved it, if upon his Arri∣val in Italy, he would have sent thither the fifteen hundred Foot he brought along with him, instead of ordering them to March, as he did, into Milan. For they might have got in by the help of the Venetian Fleet then on those Seas, and by the favour of those Winds which wasted in several other Vessels.

It were difficult to name a Siege more Famous then this same, either for the dread∣ful numbers of the besiegers, for the brave resistance of the besieged, or the many and furious Assaults. There were above fifty Mines and twice as many Countermines about this place; It was batter'd with above six-score thousand Canon Shot, so that most of it was blown up into the Air, or beaten down to dust. The Turkish Army consisted of two hundred thousand Men, of whom above fifty thousand were Slain, and as many perished by Sickness.

The fifth Month of the Siege, the Knights having no more Gun-Powder left, no Pio∣neers

[Year of our Lord 1522] nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hardly any men for defence, some lying by of their Wounds or of Sickness, others dropping down with over-Working and Toyling: they accepted of the Capitulation proffered them by Solyman, which was to go forth with Bag and Baggage, and all their Galleys and Vessels that were in Port. He made his entrance upon Christ∣mass-Day.

[Year of our Lord 1523] The Grand Master Peter de Villiers-l'Isle-Adam, to whose conduct and Heroick Vertue the greatest Honour of this Generous defence was due, setting Sail with his Knights and four thousand of the Inhabitants as well of that as of the Islands depending on it, retired to Candia, where he Winter'd. From thence he went to Sicilia, and three months after to Rome; the Pope giving those Knights his City of Viterbo for their Retreat. Six Years after, in Anno 1530. they placed themselves in the Island of Malta; The Emperor bestowed it upon them to cover his Kingdom of Silicia, and they accepted it with the consent of all other Christian Princes, in whose Territories their Order had any Lands, or Possessions.

[Year of our Lord 1523] The loss of Rhodes being partly occasioned by Pope Adrian's Fault, it concer∣ned him in Honour to repair it. Therefore upon that consideration and to make his name glorious, he employ'd all his cares to procure a Peace, or at least a Truce betwixt all Christian Princes, that so they might make War upon the In∣sidels with their united Force. Francis would yield to nothing but a Truce, and that a very short one, this did not sute with the Popes designs. So that not being able to overcome him by his Exhortations, nor by the threats of the English, nor upon the consideration that he made himself odious to all Christendom, he would needs bring him to it by Force, and thus of a Common Father he became a Partial and open Enemy.

Prompted with this Spirit he acted so powerfully with the Venetians that he broke them off from his Alliance, and made a League with them, the Emperor and the King of England to thrust him out of Italy. The King had therefore all the great powers of Christendom against him: nevertheless his passion to recover Milan did so over-rule his mind, that he was resolved to go thither in Person at the Head of his best Men, had not the Conspiracy of the Duke of Bourbon which he happended to discover kept him back; And though this did strangely embarass him, yet he sent Bonnivet thither with an Army.

For divers years past Madame had sought all opportunities of doing some dis∣pleasure to Charles de Bourbon, and the Chancellor and Admiral employed them∣selves most willingly to gratifie both her passion and their own. For Bonnivet [Year of our Lord 1523] imagin'd if he could ruin him, he should have the Connestables Sword, and the other had a secret grudge against him for having denied his Family some Favour in Auvergne. It did not satisfie Madame that she had deprived him of the Chief Functions of his Office, and hindred his Marriage with Renee the Kings Sister; she had process against him likewise in Parliament to strip him of the Dutchy of Bourbon, and the other great Estate of Susanna, his Wife, who Died without Children in the year 1521. The Succession whereof as she pretended did belong to her as the next Heiress.

Indeed she was Daughter of Margaret and Philip who was Lord of Bresse, and afterwards Duke of Savoy; and that Margaret who was Daughter of Charles I. Duke of Bourbon, and Sister to Peter who had the same Dutchy after John II. his Brother, and was Father of this Susanna, above mentioned. As for Charles de Bourbon, he was Son of Gilbert Earl of Montpensier, who was Son of Lewis, Uncle of Duke Peter, and by consequence he was farther removed than she. But, be∣sides that he made it appear by very ancient Titles, by Solemn Judgments and Decrees, and by many Examples, that the Lordship of Bourbon was a Feif Masculin; he shewed likewise how in his Contract of Marriage with Susanna, he was acknowledged the right Heir of that House, and as for the other Estate, there was a mutual donation between him and his Wife, by vertue whereof he enjoy'd it. 'Tis true that Susanna was then in minority, and not authorized by the Judge, but she was authorized sufficiently by the presence of King Lewis XII. the Cardinal d'Amboise, and four or five and twenty Princes, Bishops and Eminent Lords.

He believed his cause would have been very good in any other times, and against any other Party: But as soon as they Commenced this process, he imagin'd it was before resolved and concluded, and that he must Infallibly be cast before Judges who were all Creatures of Madame's or of the Chancellor. And this last Affront, which reduced him to extream inconveniences, blinded him so with rage and re∣venge,

that without any consideration of what he was, and what he might come to be, he casts himself into the Emperor's Arms, having Treated with him by the assistance of the Lord de Beaurien, Son of Adrian de Crovy Count de Rieux. The King of England came into this Treaty. It imported; That all three were to share France betwixt them; That Bourbon should have the Ancient Kingdom of Arles with the Title of King; and as a Seal to this Alliance, the Emperor should give him his Sister Eleonor, who was the Widdow of Emanuel King of Portugal. Bourbon had a particular pretension of his own Head to Provence, be∣cause [Year of our Lord 1523] Rene Duke of Lorrain had yielded up the right he had to Anne of France the Mother of Susanna, and Anne by her Will and Testament had given it to him.

Now while the King was at St. Peter le Monstier on the Confines of Nivernois and Bourbonnois, two Normand Gentlemen Matignon and d'Argouges, Houshold-Servants belonging to the Connestable, discovered all their Masters correspon∣dence to him. He would needs be satisfied from his own Mouth, saw him in the City of Moulins, and told him his whole mind. The Connestable owned that he had been Sollicited by the Count de Rieux, but stiffly denied that he had gi∣ven any ear to it. They would perhaps have laid hands on him if they durst: But indeed the attempt would have been dangerous, in the midst of his own Country; for he was mightily beloved by the People and the Nobility, and the King had but four thousand Foot with him, and five hundred Horse: so he only comman∣ded him to follow the Court.

The Connestable taking his Litter under pretence of some indisposition, went easy Journeys. At la Palice he had news that a Decree was made the—of August, which put his Estate under Sequestration: thereupon he dispatches Huraut Bishop of Autun his Confident to the King, to beseech him to stopt he execution of it, and to assure him that this favour would bind him for ever to his Service: but he was informed they had stopp'd the Bishop six Leagues from that place. Then flying from the King's indignation, he retired to his Castle of Chantelle where all his richest Goods were; And there having intelligence that four thousand men were coming to besiege him, he went forth by Torch-light. When he had Rode a little while he stole away from his own People, who followed Fran∣cis de Montagnac Tenzane thinking it had been their Master, and made his escape attended only by one Esquire named Pomperan, to the Franche-Compte. From thence he passed into Germany; then thorow the Valley of Trent to Mantua, and from that place to Genoa to conferr about the Affairs of the War with Charles de Lanoy Vice-Roy of Naples, who had the general Command of the Armies after the Death of Prosper Colomna, which happened about the end of this year 1523.

In France, Conspiracies with Strangers against the State never do any mischief when once they are discovered; this bred a great deal of astonishment, but pro∣duced [Year of our Lord 1523] no present evil. This great Prince, so Wealthy, so greatly Allied, and so much esteemed by the Sons of War, was but a single banished man when out of France: No body followed him, excepting his domestick Servants, and five or six of his particular Friends: So that the Emperor who at his first Arrival, had given him his choice either to stay there to command his Army, or to go into Spain to compleat his Marriage, when he perceived that his revolt effected no∣thing, feared he should have only a proscribed Person for his Brother in Law, and perswaded him it were better he should stay in Italy.

We need not doubt but he had formed divers designs in several Provinces of France: but no Commotions appearing, the King, either out of Policy or good nature, did not make strict inquiry who were his Accomplices. There were not above seven or eight taken into Custody, amongst others St. Vallier la Vauguyon, and Emard de Prie. St. Vallier was Tried, and Condemned to lose his Head: but being in the (Greve, the place of Execution) on the Scaffold, instead of the mortal stroke, he received his pardon. It was said that the King sent it not to him, till he had robb'd his Daughter Diana, as then but Fourteen years of Age, of the most precious Jewel she had; a very easie exchange for those that value Honour less then Life, or make it consist in the Sun-shine of a Favour rather en∣vied then innocent.

It was now almost a year that the Lord de Lude had bravely defended Fontara∣bia against the Spaniards Assaults; He was so distressed by Famine that it was time to throw in Provisions; the Mareschal de Chastillon who was ordered to do it,

Died by the way. La Palice happily performed it, and having drawn out the Lord de Lude, and the Garrison who had suffered great Fatigues, he put in all Fresh-men, and for Governor Frauget a Captain of Fifty men at Arms. * 1.164

About the end of the Spring, an Army of twenty four thousand Spaniards came and fell into Guyenne by two or three several ways, and afterwards joyned [Year of our Lord 1523] all in one Body before Bayonne, to besiege it. The City being weak, their fears were great: however Lautrec getting in amongst them revived their Hearts and cheered them; so that they drew off after three days battering it. How∣ever they did not lose their labour, for bending all their Force against Fontara∣bia, Frauget tamely surrendred it upon their first Assault; for punishment whereof he was degraded of his Nobility on a Scaffold in the City of Lyons; Cowardize not being worthy of death, but of Infamy.

Neither the Emperor nor the King of England did use that diligence they ought in so great a design, as that of tearing all France in pieces. The Emperor did not furnish Bourbon with those Forces he had promis'd to seize upon the Dutchy of Burgundy, but only twelve thousand Foot; who having no Horse were easily beaten off from the Frontiers of Champagne by the Earl of Guise, who was Go∣vernour there.

The English did not land till the Month of September, the Duke of Norfolk be∣ing their General: Their Army and that of the Count de Bure made up together neer forty thousand men. Lewis de la Tremouille to whom the King had committed the Guard of that Frontier, having but few men could only Garrison the Towns. They left Terouanne, which they had design'd to attaque, on the left hand, and taking their March between that City and Monstrevil, came before Hesdin. Know∣ing the Valiant Pontdormy was got into it, they went farther on, pass'd the Som∣me at Bray, took Roye and Montdidier, and brought a terror even upon Paris, which was again revived by the coming in of Charles Duke of Vendosme, with some Horse. After all they withdrew again upon the first frosty weather: yet not all, above one third of the English leaving their bones there to pay their Charges.

When they were entring Picardy Bonnivet pass'd the Mountains. The Emperor, the Pope and the Venetians had declar'd against the King as we have said, never∣theless this great League having but few Forces, Bonnivet soon Conquer'd all the Milanois to the Tesin. Prosper Colomne did not imagin that the King having so many Irons in the Fire in France, should have thoughts of sending an Army into Italy: He was much amazed when they inform'd him that Bonnivet was come over the Hills. He appeared at the River Tesin with those few men he had to obstruct his getting over: But it being Foordable in many place, by reason of the great Drowths, he soon had notice that the French were on the other side, and retreated with his handful of men.

It was said that if Bonnivet had used that diligence which was requisite, he might have overtaken and cut them all in pieces: Or at least if he had not amu∣sed himself three or four days at Pavia, he had made himself Master of Milan. This delay gave Prosper time to provide: So that Bonnivet lost his time in Besieg∣ing it, Winter came, the Plague crept into his Army, and that of the Confede∣rates encreased. He was therefore fain to give ground in his turn, and retire to Biagras, six Leagues on this side of Milan. He chose that Post because he might safely wait there for a new re-inforcement, having the whole Country behind at his own disposal.

During these Transactions Pope Adrian died the fourteenth of September, and the Cardinal Julius de Medicis cousin German of Leo X. and Son of Julian, but born out of Wedlock, was elected by the contrivance and other devices and ways usual in the Conclaves. He took the name of Clement VII.

This year began the Chastisement of those who professed the new Reformation Preath∣ed by Luther. The Protestants reckon for first Martyrs (for so they call them) one John le Clerc, native of Meaux a Wool-comber, and two Augustin Monks of the Country of Brabant le Clerc was Whipt and Brandmarkt on the Shoulder with a Flower de Luce at Meaux, for having said that the Pope was Antichrist; and was after∣wards Burnt at Mets for having beaten down some Images. The two Monks suffer'd the like death at Bruxels; Luther Sung their Triumphs, much gladder to be their Pane∣gyrist than their fellow Sufferer.

[Year of our Lord 1524] Bonnivet Subsisted near upon two months in his Post near Biagras: But when the Enemy had surprized Vercel upon him which cut off his Provisions, and forc'd Biagras, he was constrained to retire towards Turin. Charles de Bourbon Chief of their Army followed him in the Rear. Bonnivet having a Wound in his Arm, got away before for fear of falling into his hands, and hastening forwards in a Litter, left the charge and care of the retreat to Bayard and to Vendenesse Bro∣ther of La Palice. They acquitted themselves generously, but both of them were Slain by Musquet Shot.

It is said that Bayard finding himself so wounded in the Reynes that he could sit no longer on Horseback, caused his men to set him on the ground with his Face turned towards the Enemies, and that Bourbon finding him in this posture and condition, and telling him that he very much bemoaned and pittied him; he an∣swer'd, That it was rather himself was to be pittied, for having taken up Arms against France, which had given him Birth, and had so tenderly bred him. That [☞] he should remember that of all those that had born Arms against their Country, their ends had been Tragical and their memory Shameful.

The rest of the Army being not pursued, retired towards the Alpes, the Swiss returned to their own Country by the Valley d'Aoste, the French by Turin. Near Suse they met Claude Duke of Longueville with four hundred men at Arms, and heard they were making new Levies of Swiss to come and joyn them. And thus it was that King Francis never sending his Supplies in time, and always in small Parties, was at vast expences, and did not do his business throughly. After the departure of the French Forces the Confederates easily regained those places they yet held, the Castle of Novara Surrendred to Sforza, Loda to the Duke of Ʋrbin, and Alexandria to Ferdinand d'Avalos Marquiss of Pescara.

It is observed that in this War of Italy they began to make use of such great and ponderous Musquets, that two men were fain to carry them one after the other; they loaded them with round Pibbles, and fired them lying upon a Rest. These were the Ruin and Destruction of the Men at Arms, who before this, feared nothing but the Canon.

Notwithstanding all this ill Success, Madame did so well manage and pre∣pare the Kings mind in favour of Bonnivet, that he laid all the blame upon the blind Baggage Fortune, and received him into as great Favour as he had been be∣fore; Thus this Favorite governing him almost absolutely, inclined and perswa∣ded him to raise a huge Army and to go in Person to carry on this War, ima∣gining that if he succeeded the Honour would be attributed to his Councils, if not, then the Kings disgrace would wipe out the Stains of his former Misfor∣tunes.

Clement the VII. in the beginning of his Pope-ship, had sent Legates to the Emperour, the King and the King of England, to bring them to a Peace, or at least to a Truce. The King would have a Truce for two years, the Emperor a Peace for ever, the King of England neither a Peace nor a Truce, because Thomas Woolsey Cardinal Bishop of York, had put it into his head, that by the correspondence and means of Charles de Bourbon, he might be able to make good the pretensions of his Ancestors to the Kingdom of France.

With this prospect he made a new Treaty with the Emperor, wherein it was said; That Bourbon entring into France with his Forces of Italy, the King of England should furnish him with one hundred thousand Crowns a month, from the first of July, to the last day of December; unless he rather chose to land there himself there with a good Army; In which case the Governours of the Low-Countries should furnish him with what Artillery was necessary and four thousand Foot; That at the same time the Emperor with his Spanish Forces should make an Irruption into Guyenne; That the Pope and the Princes of Italy should be invited to contribute towards the expences: That Bourbon should be restored to all his Lands, and that he should have the Kingdom of Arles, but that he should own the English to be King of France. He absolutely refused this last condition as the Pope and the Venetians to contribute any thing; As to the remainder the Treaty held good.

For immediately Bourbon having drawn together all the Forces the Emperor had in Italy, entred into Provence with thirteen hundred Foot, and three thousand Horse. His design was not to Stop there, he intended, after he had taken La

Tour, or the Tower, of the Port of Toulon, the City of Aix and some others, to [Year of our Lord 1524] go directly to Lyons, from thence into Berry, imagining the Nobility of his own Countries,* 1.165 would flock to him and increase his Army, that the People very much oppressed with new Impositions, would cast themselves into his Arms, and that by thus taking off the payment of Taxes and Subsidies, he should deprive the King of the chief and true Sinews of War: But the Emperors Council, who ai∣med at their Masters ends, not at Bourbons, obliged him in despite of his former project, to besiege Marseilles.

He there found a strong Garrison and men well resolv'd; his Attaques did not advance much in six weeks time. In the interim the King had leasure to set his Army on Foot, which he had not designed to raise till the following Spring, and to send part of them into Provence, under the Conduct of La Palice. He seized upon Avignon, Scoffing at the Enemy, who had neglected this City, and from thence when he heard the King was Marching with the other part of the Army, he advanced to Salon de Craux. Bourbons was ruin'd by the length of the Siege, and the want of pay; for the English had paid him but for one month, and the Emperor could not Supply him with those German Recruits he had promised him; wherefore having notice that the King was parting from Avignon to come and Assault him, he re-imbarqued part of his Cannon, and retired in great haste.

The least success carried King Francis much further then either prudence or the uncertainty of events could warrant: Being informed that Milan was wholly desti∣tute of Forces, and withal knowing that the Estates of Castille had refused money to the Emperor, that the Confederate Estates of Italy would not aid him, and that the King of England had raised no Souldiers, although it were now the month of October: he resolved to follow Bourbon by long Marches, and perswaded him∣self that if he could but either reach him, or get before him, nothing could be able to hinder him from regaining that Dutchy.

The most knowing of his Officers approved not this resolution. They con∣sidered it was upon the coming in of Winter, for mid-October was past, that they left France exposed to the Incursions of the English, the Flemmings, and the Spa∣niards, and the concealed Practises of Bourbon. Many did likewise think it an ill Omen to this undertaking, that he was clad in Mourning for his Wife, who died the twenty eighth of July: But he stop't all their mouths, by saying openly that they did not please him by speaking against it; and knowing that his Mother was hastning from Avignon to disswade him, he avoided meeting her, but left her the Regency of the Kingdom.

The advantage both of the one and the other Army consisted in their diligence, it was who should be the nimbler. The King arrived at Vercel at the same time the Enemies got to Alba, whence they got in two days to Parma, having marched six and thirty miles in one day. They had resolved to keep Milan, and were En∣camped at Binasque: But upon the approach of his Van-Guard, they abandoned that City to retire towards Loda. His old Commanders were of opinion he should not leave off pursuing them, for they were put to their last Shifts, and shewed themselves half conquered, throwing away their Arms as they marched, and if these were but dispers'd, there had not one place been left them but Pavia and Cremona, with the Castle of Milan, which wanting Provisions, would have Sur∣rendred in a short time. Bonnivets advice was contrary, and carried it; The King left La Trimouille with six thousand men in Milan to Besiege the Castle, and went to lay Siege before Pavia the 27th. day of October.

The Revolution of these Affairs in Milan appeared much greater then they were at Rome: Pope Clement began to treat a new Confederation with the King in Se∣cret, and in the mean time propounded a Truce to both the Princes. The Em∣peror who was then in Spain, having heard his Envoy, to whom the Regent had given passage through Provence and Languedoc, did not reject it; for he saw the King of England, instead of lending him money, demanded that again which he had advanced; and the Venetians fearing the encrease of his Power or the Kings Forces, denyed to renew their Alliance with him: But the King flatly refused it, as if it must have robb'd him of an assured Conquest. He thought himself already so certain of Milan, that he made a Detachment of ten thousand Foot, and six hundred men at Arms, with some Horse of his own Army, under the Conduct of John Stuard Duke of Albany, to go and Conquer the Kingdom of Naples; and soon after he sent again four thousand more to Savonna, commanded by the Mar∣quiss de Salusses, to make War upon those of Genoa.

[Year of our Lord 1524] There is great likely-hood, though the Italians deny it, that it was upon the Sollicitation of Pope Clement, not that he would have had Francis hold that King∣dom and the Milanois together (for that were to have placed the Holy See be∣tween two Barrs) but because he hoped to procure some great matters for him∣self, by the help of the French Forces. Perhaps the King fancied that Lanoy who was the Vice-Roy, would quit all other Interests to preserve that, and that he would draw all his men out of Milan to follow the Duke of Albany, but he not only did not fear that so small an Army could take a Kingdom where there were so many strong places, but he ceased from all apprehensions concerning Pavia, and refused to hear any more of a Truce.

At two months end the Siege was found to be no more advanc'd then the first day: The Garrison was strong, the attaques feeble and languishing, there was often want of Powder and always want of Order. In the mean time Charles de Bourbon returned from Germany with a Supply, of ten thousand Foot and a thou∣sand Horse from the Frenche-Compte, and joyned Lanoy's Army neer Loda. These made up together seventeen thousand Foot, seven hundred men at Arms, and as many light Horse, besides the Francontois. With these they resolved to try all manner of ways to put some relief into Pavia, which however was in no dan∣ger yet, unless it were from their own Garrison, who were ready to Mutiny for want of Pay.

[Year of our Lord 1525] There was between Pavia and Milan, almost in the mid-way, a little place called Castle Saint Angelo, which would have cut off their Provision, had they left it behind them. Bonnivet having confided so Important a place to an Ita∣lian, he wanting either courage or sidelity, quitted the Town as soon as they be∣gan to Batter it, and retreated into the Castle, which he Surrendred the same night.

After the taking of so Important a Post, the wisest Captains were of opinion, the King should raise the Siege and retire to Birasque. They remonstrated to him that the Army of the Enemy being not paid, would disperse within fifteen days, that his own was a third part weaker then they made him believe, that two thou∣sand men who were coming to him by Savona were cut off by the way, that the three thousand Italians of John de Medicis Disbanded themselves since their Com∣mander in Chief being wounded upon an Assault, was carried out of the Camp, that six thousand Grisons had left him upon pretence of going back to defend their own Country, where James de Medequin a Milanese, Captain of the Castle de Muz, had purposely, and perhaps by their own Agreement, surprized Chiaven∣na, which is as it were the Key. All these Arguments and Reasons were too weak to draw him from thence: Bonnivets obstinacy, and the shame he fancied it would be to quit his design, after he had with so many Magnificent Speeches proclaimed that he would take the place or die before it, obliged him to stay there, and as we may say bound him Hands and Feet to deliver him up to his ill for∣tune.

There was not above two hundred paces distance betwixt the two Armies. The Enemies could keep theirs together no longer for want of pay, and withal they observed there was nothing but confusion in the Kings, and that the flatteries of the Favorites sway'd more then the Councils of the oldest Captains; this made them take the resolution to go and present the King Battle, who was lodged in the Castle of Mirabel in the midst of Pavia Park, and if he refused it, to enter into the Town, draw forth the Garrison that could hold out no longer, and leave a new one in their room.

The night of the 23d. or 24th. of February, they drew near the Park Wall, and having thrown down about threescore fadom of it, marched directly to Mirabel, this being a little before the break of day. Although the Kings Guns were plan∣ted in a place of advantage; yet could they do but little Execution during the obscurity; but when it grew light they began to thunder upon their Rear, inso∣mch as it broke their Ranks, and made them run into a Hollow way. The King observing this disorder from his Camp which lay high, was transported with joy; at the same instant, word was brought him that the Squadrons of the Duke of Alenson and Philip de Chabot-Brion had defeated a great body of Spaniards and taken four Pieces of Canon; Then believing they were half routed, he impru∣dently went out of his Camp, where they durst never have set upon him, and goes on to charge them.

[Year of our Lord 1525] He fell upon them with so much Impetuosity, that at the very first he broke in amongst their Horse, and with his own hand slew Fernand Castriot Marquess of Saint Angelo: but the Arquebusiers they had mixed with their Horse, put his to a Stop. Then comes Bourbon and Lanoy who rallied their own and gave a furious charge. The Duke of Alenson, who cover'd the Swisse with four hundred men at Arms, betook himself to flight and retired to Lyons, where some days after he died with grief and shame. The Swisse lying open, made but a poor Fight, and then withdrew, the Lansquenets, or German Foot, who were but three or four thousand, Fought to the last moment, and were all cut in pieces. All the Storm fell then upon the King; His Horse being kill'd under him, he defended himself on Foot some time without being known. But meeting and knowing Pomperan, he surrendred himself to him.

The Baggage and Cannon were taken, eight thousand of his men killed upon the place, amongst others Lewis de la Trimouille, the Mareschal de la Palice, Francis Earl of Lambesc Brother to the Duke of Lorrain, Aubigny, Sanseverin, and Bonnivet, this last too late, as it was said, for the good of France, and divers o∣ther Lords of Note. Together with the King were taken the Mareschal de Le∣scun, René Bastard of Savoy, these two died of their Wounds, Henry d'Albret King of Navarre, Francis de Bourbon Earl of Saint Pol, the Mareschal de Montmo∣rency, Florenges, Brion, Lorges, Rochepot, Montejam, Montpesat, Langey, Curton, and a great number besides.

Upon the noise of this event the Garrison that was in Milan, forsook it imme∣diately and all the Dutchy fell to the Imperialists. The next day after the battle, Lanoy fearing the Souldiers might Seize upon the Kings Person to secure their Pay, conveyed him to the Castle of Pisqueton and Committed the Guard of him to Captain Alarcon.

One cannot well conceive the divers effects the news of this great event pro∣duced all over Europe; It caused infinite joy in the Court of Spain, jealousie in that of England, an universal affliction to France, together with a marvellous consternation; which was not much less amongst the Italians, who with all their great wisdom and politiques saw themselves exposed as a prey to the Conquerour. The French, besides the particular sorrow every one resented for the loss of some Kindred or dear Friend, did likewise participate in the common Calamity, and apprehended lest France, having none to defend her; now they had lost their King, the Flower of their Nobility, and best Souldiers, should be Invaded by the Emperours Forces, Bourbons, and the King of Englands. The Venetians very wise in Adversity did endeavour their utmost with the Pope to form a League against this Torrent. They were of opinion to raise ten thousand Swisse immediately, to joyn a good body of Horse with them, to exhort the King of England for his own interest to come into a League with them, and to inform and instruct Madame in all these points who would not fail to contribute her utmost Cares.

The Pope consented to all, and had given order for a Courier to go into Eng∣land: but the Spaniards having gotten the wind of it, gave him such great assu∣rance he should have whatever conditions he desired of the Emperour; that as he was very irresolute, and besides feared to be put to expences, and never knew how to time his business, he recalled his Courier, changed his mind, and made a League with the Emperour. The Treaty made, he obliged the Duke of Albany, whom till then he had amused in Tuscany, to Disband all the Italian Troops he had, and Ship all the French at Cornet Port, to send them back to their own Country, lending him some Galleys for that very purpose, those the Regent had sent not being sufficient to Transport them.

The Emperor having received the News of Pavia with great Moderation, in so much as he would not suffer them to make Bonfires, saying there was greater rea∣son to Mourn for such Victories over Christian Princes then rejoyce, it gave some reason to hope that he would make the same use of the advantage he had over his Prisoner in moderation towards him. And indeed, when he propounded to his Council after what manner he should Treate him: His Confessor pleaded that he ought to release him generously and without conditions, because it would be a most Christian-like Act, worthy of a great Emperour, famous to all Posterity, which would make the King really his inferior, and become ever obliged to him, and would tye him more Strictly then any Treaty they could make with him. But Fredric Duke d'Alva, and after him all the rest of the Council, being of opinion

[Year of our Lord 1525] he was not to be set free till they had so weakned him, that he should be hereaf∣ter unable to give them any further trouble, and that the abatement of his Power would be the re-establishment of the ancient Empire over Europe, the Emperour declared that he was of their mind.

He therefore sent the Lord de Beaurien into Italy to propose to the King, who was yet in the Castle of Pisqueton, the conditions he desired for his release: That he should renounce to the Kingdom of Naples, and the Dutchy of Milan; That he should surrender up to him the Dutchy of Burgundy which was the Patrimony of his Ancestors; That he should give Provence, Dau••iné and Lyounois to the Duke of Bourbon, to be joyned with his other Lands, and make them an indepen∣dant Kingdom; That he should Satisfie the King of Englands demands. To which Francis replyed, That a perpetual Imprisonment would be less severe to him then those conditions; That they were not in his Power, because they shock'd the Fundamental Laws of France, to which he was Subjected; but that he offer'd to take in Marriage Eleonora the Emperours Sister, to hold Burgundy in Dower and Hereditary for the Children that should be Born of that Marriage, to restore the Duke of Burbon to all his Lands, and to give him his Sister Mar∣garet, Widow of the Duke of Alenson, to satisfie the English in Money▪ to pay a Ransom such as King John had paid, and to lend him a Land Army and a Fleet whenever he would go into Italy to receive the Imperial Crown.

If the Regent mother to the King was troubled with grief, she was much more so with Fear; She apprehended to lose the Regency, which Paris and the Par∣liament, very ill satisfied with her conduct, would have put into the hands of Charles de Bourbon Duke of Vendosme: But that Prince, either out of discretion, or fear, which in this circumstance made it vertue and merit, seeing his Family already too hateful in the Kings Eyes, refused to take it upon him. He went himself to the Regent at Lyons, where she had called an Assembly of Notables to get them to confirm her Authority.

As for the King of England he at first expressed a great deal of joy for the Kings being taken, and dispatched one to the Emperour, to perswade him to enter into Guyeme, assuring him that at the same time he would make an Irruption towards Normandy, and proffered to send his Daughter that he might Marry her, accor∣ding to some Propositions that had passed between them. But on the other side he sent to the Queen Regent of France, to let her understand he was not unwilling to unite himself with France, for the deliverance of their King. And that which inclined him to it was not so much the neglect the Emperour shewed in leaving his Daughter, and seeking the Daughter of the King of Portugal, as the Impres∣sions of the Cardinal Woolsey his grand Governour, who was enraged for that the Emperour since he had overcome his difficulties, cared no more for him, nor wrote any more to him with his own hand, nor Subscribed himself Your Son and Cousin, as he had done before.

The Jealousie and the Evil Dispositions, that Cardinal infused in his Masters mind against the Emperour, were one of the first helps towards the saving of France. For the King of England who had equipp'd a Fleet to land in Normandy, dismissed it without demanding his Expences of the Regent, and made a League with her to preserve the Crown of France entire, so that the King could not dis∣member it to gain his freedom; and he promised to assist him with men, and to lend him moneys when ever need required.

The King had been now above two months in the Castle of Pisqueton, and nei∣ther Lanoy nor the Council of Spain could yet resolve upon the place where they might safely keep him. For the Kings Galleys were at Sea which hindred them from carrying him to Spain: And if they kept him in those Countries it was to be feared their half mutinous Souldiers, should seize upon him, and let him escape. They would willingly have had him to the Kingdom of Naples: but having not many men, they apprehended the Pope or the Venetians might attempt to rescue him on the way.

Amidst these Difficulties Lanoy found an expedient, which was to make him consent or think it best to go into Spain: To this purpose he endeavours to per∣swade him that if he did but discourse with the Emperour they would soon agree together, and that in case they could not, he would bring him back into Italy. The King who ardently desired it, believed it, and not only commanded the French Galleys that were cruising to let him pass: but likewise so ordered it that the Regent lent six to the Vice-Roy, who pretending to Sail towards Naples, trans∣ported

him into Spain, this was about the middle of the Month of June. He was [Year of our Lord 1525] lodged in the Castle of Madrid far from the Sea and the Frontiers, with the Li∣berty of going forth to take the Air when ever he pleased, but always surroun∣ded with Guards, and mounted upon a Mule.

He had thought that upon his arrival he should see the Emperour: but notice was given him that it would not be convenient, till they had first agreed upon all Articles; and that those might be treated upon he gave leave to the Mareschal de Montmorency to return into France, and permission to Margaret the Kings Sister to go into Spain. In the mean while he a granted a Truce till the end of De∣cember, for fear, said he, left some new difficulties should arise: but in effect to Suspend any Enterprises of the Italian Potentates, and their League which should have put Milan into very great danger, had they bestirred themselves well in this juncture.

And truly this translation broke all those measures the Pope and the Venetians would have taken with the Regent, and put them into an extream Consternation. It did no less allarm Bourbon and Pescara, having been done without Communica∣ting of it to them. They wrote very sharply to the Emperour concerning it, and with Invectives against Lanoy, whom they accused of cowardise and pride together, for having, said they, by his timidity like to have made them lose the Battle, of which notwithstanding he pretended to claim the whole honour. Be∣sides Bourbon apprehending with great reason lest the two Kings, if they confer∣red together, should agree to his prejudice, did not so much look after the affairs of Milan, as his own, and had no patience till the Galleys that carried the King were returned, that he might go aboard and hasten to find the Empe∣rour.

The intentions of the Italian Princes, in driving the French out of Milan, was not to introduce the Spaniards there, but to restore Francis Sforza; and yet the Emperour carried himself as absolute Master, and the unfortunate Sforza was, to speak properly, no more then the Treasurer who paid the Souldiers at the expence of his poor People. Jeremy Moron who was his Chancellour and his principal Counsellour, sought therefore to set his Master and his Countrey at Li∣berty; the Pope and the Venetians proffered to contribute towards it; all these together imagined they might make advantage of Pescara's discontent, and pro∣pounded to make him King of Naples, the opportunity being favorable whilst La∣noy was in Spain, and all the Forces almost Disbanded. The Pope who was Sove∣raign Lord of that Fief, joynes in this business and approves of it. Pescara pre∣tended to give Ear, but acted the Scrupulous and the man of Honour, doubting whether he might serve the Soveraign Lord, which was the Pope, to the preju∣dice of the Lord the present Occupier, which was the Emperour. To resolve this, they were fain to consult, under feigned nams, all the most eminent Law∣yers of those times. At last he seems to yeild, and to treat a League with the Pope, the Regent and the Venetians, for this enterprise.

When he had found out the whole intrigue he discover'd it to the Emperour and confirmed his relation of it, by the confession even of Moron, who impru∣dently surrendred himself into his own Hands: He afterwards redeemed his Life for twenty thousand Crowns, Thereupon Pescara took an occasion to deprive the unhappy Sforza of his Dutchy; he gained all his strongest places by a wile, and then shut him up in the Castle of Milan with a circumvallation. But he dyed at the beginning of December, before he could reap the Fruit of his perfidiousness. He was a man had neither Soul nor Heart, of a quick and piercing Wit; but Crafty, Malicious, and who instead of Honour was stored with nought but Ar∣rogance.

The Regent laboured Incessantly for the Liberty of her Son▪ Margaret Dutch∣ess of Alenson being arrived in Spain in the month of September, propounded the Marriage of the King with Eleonora Sister to the Emperour: But that Princess had been promised to Bourbon, who earnestly demanded her, and thwarted the whole Treaty with his interests, which were difficult to be adjusted. So that Margaret was forced to return without effecting any thing, leaving however Fran∣cis de Tournon then Bishop of Embrun, Gabriel de Gramont Bishop of Tarbes, who were since Cardinals, and John de Selve First President of Parliament, to continue the Negociation.

This Princess had scattered so much money in those Countries, that she gained some of the Emperours Council, and most of the Kings Guards, with whom she

[Year of our Lord 1525] had formed a contrivance for his escape. The Emperour having some hint of it, and at the same time received the news of Moron's design, in which the Regent had some hand, caused him to be more closely confined then before. The King con∣ceived so much grief for this hard usage, and for that in the six months time he had now been in Spain, he could not once come to see him, that he fell very Sick. Then the Emperour fearing he might lose his advantages together with his Prisoner, made his Interest his Civility, and gave him a visit. It was very short, but full of tender Expressions, Consolations, and hopes of sudden Liberty; So that the King took courage and comfort, and by little and little recovered his health.

When this danger was over, the Emperour was not over hasty to perform those Promises he had made. Twice was he upon the point of Marrying his Sister Eleonora to Charles de Bourbon: Notwithstanding he was advised to keep her still in reserve to make an Alliance with the King if it were needful, and indeed he was obliged to do so when he left feared it. For having information of a great League, and very great Forces raising by all t he Potentates of Italy, the King of England and the Regent, he considered the Marquiss of Pescare was dead, Milan ready to revolt, his Forces dissipated or in Mutiny, no Commanders for his Ser∣vice in those Countries; and that therefore the Confederates might turn him out of all there before he could put things in order. These Motives made him con∣descend to a Peace, and to set his Prisoner at Liberty, but in such a manner as according to common opinion, was neither just, nor Honourable, nor Advan∣tagious.

The Envoyéz of France who had full power from the Regent, as she had from [Year of our Lord 1526] the King her Son, having had several Conferences at Madrid with the Emperours Council, in which they on either part disputed the Rights of the two Princes, es∣pecially that of the Emperour to the Dutchy of Burgundy, concluded the Treaty the Thirteenth of February, which was,

That the King should marry Eleonora with two Hundred Thousand Crowns for her Dowry, and should marry the Daughter of that Princess to the Dauphin when she came to Age; That he should be conducted to Fontarabia and set at Liberty the Tenth of March, and that his two Sons or at least the Eldest, or in lieu of the Second, twelve Lords should enter into Hostage for security of what he promised. Which was amongst other things; to pay the Emperor Twenty Hundred Thousand Crowns in Gold for the Ransome of his Person; To yield to him the Dutchy of Burgundy with the Cities of Noy∣ers, and Chastel-Chinon, the County of Charolois, the Vicounty d'Aussonne, and the Prevosté of Saint Lawrence in all entire Soveraignty: Moreover the homage of the Counties of Artois and Flanders, and his pretensions to the Estates of Naples, Milan, Genoa, Ast, Tournay, L'isle and Hesdin; To get Henry d'Albret to renounce the Kingdom of Navarre, and if he could not oblige him to it, not to assist him; To restore within Forty dayes the Duke of Bourbon and all those that had follow'd him, to their Lands. As likewise to give Philibert de Chaalon his Liberty, and his Principality of Orenge, and to Michael Antony his Marquisate of Saluces; To afford no assistance to the Duke of Guelders, and to procure that his Cities upon his death, should return to the Emperor; To pay the Arreares of the King of England's Pension, which amounted to Five Hundred Thousand Crowns. To lend the Emperor when he should go to take the Imperial Crown in Italy, twelve Galleys and four great Vessels, and to pay him Two Hundred Thousand Crowns instead of the Land Army he had promised him.

Moreover the King engaged upon his Faith, that if he could not procure the full execution of all these Articles, he would voluntarily return to his Prison, and disengage his Promises at the price of his own Person. Whatever promises he made, the wisest Spaniards, nay even those of the Emperors own Council, unless such as had a particular hand in the contrivance and management of this Treaty, never believed that he intended to perform it, and presaged that their Prince af∣ter all, would reap no other benefit but the reproaches of all Christian Princes, and an immortal War with France. And indeed his Chancellor Gatinare abso∣lutely refused to Sign it, and protested he would not so much abuse that Office the Emperor had bestowed upon him, to the prejudice even of the Emperor him∣self.

When after his refusal the Emperor had signed the Treaty with his own Hand, he visited the King at Madrid; and from that day till the time of his departure, they

shewed to each other all the marks and tokens of a sincere and cordial affection. [Year of our Lord 1526] They went in the same Coach to Visit the Infanta Eleonora, whom Francis be∣troathed that very day, Eat together, discoursed in private of their Affairs, and were often in publick observed to laugh and discourse familiarly.

The Eighteenth of March, Lanoy and Alarcon with Fifty Horse, brought the King near Fontarabia to the brink of the River which parts France from Spain. The same day Lautrec Governor of Guyenne brought the Kings two Sons, the El∣dest being scarce eight Years old, to the hither Shoar. A great Boat lay at Anchor in the middle of the River. At the same time the Spaniards put the King into a small Bark, and the French the Kings Sons into another, and at the same time they exchanged them, making them pass over the great Boat, whence they received them into their little Barks on the further side. So soon as the King was got to Land on this side, he mounted a Turkish Horse and spurr'd away, if he had feared some surprize, to Saint John de Luz, where he found his Mother and his Sister.

At his getting out of his Prison which had confin'd him Thirteen Months, he fell into the Captivity of a fair Lady, Anne de Pisse-leu, whom his Mother brought purposely thither to divert him after his tedious Melancholy. He afterwards ho∣noured her with the Title of Dutchess d'Estampes.

As soon as he was in France, he began highly to complain of the Inhumanity of the Emperor, and say; That promises made under Imprisonment are Null; That a Vassal is Criminal who forces his Lord to give him his Oath; That the Laws of the Land would not permit him to dismember any part of it. He spake thus to the Ambassadors that were about him, he wrote likewise to the Pope, the King of England and the Venetians. The Assembly of Notables he called at Cognac said the same, and the Estates of Burgundy did absolutely refuse to change their Lord, though in appearance he pressed them to it, as much as he could.

Then the Emperor trembling with Rage and Shame, perceived that his evil Council with his own greediness had deceived him: and hearing that all Italy was but ill disposed towards him, he sent away Bourbon with his Galleys giving him Money, and the Government of Milan, to which he joyned the hopes of ad∣ding the Title of that Dutchy, when he should have utterly dispoliated Sforza, if he could convict him of the Crime of Felony.

He likewise sent Hugh de Moncado to the Pope to endeavour to satisfie or ra∣ther amuse him, and commanded him to pass thorough France with order to go no farther if the King would give him up Burgundy. Ever since the Treaty of Madrid, there had been a League in hand with the King of England and the Princes of Italy, which sometimes was laid aside and then again revived: when the King was informed by Moncado that the Emperor was absolutely resolved to have the Dutchy of Burgundy, and no other condition in exchange, he was con∣strained to conclude it, for fear they should comply with the Emperor.

It was proclaimed the Twenty Eight of June at Cognac, between the King, the Pope, the Venetians, the Florentins, and Sforza, to procure the Release of the Kings Children, restore the Kingdom of Naples to the Holy-See, and maintain Sforza in the Dutchy of Milan, the King reserving nothing to himself in Italy but the City of Genoa. Lanoy who had followed the King to sollicite the execu∣tion of the Treaty of Madrid, seeing the quite contrary took his leave and re∣tired, having first summon'd him to return to his Imprisonment according to his Parole given.

All seemed to favour the Confederates, the People of Milan were revolted up∣on the cruel and proud avarice of the Spaniards, their Troops were all shattered and reduced almost to nothing, and the Marquess du Guast had not sufficient au∣thority to restrain them. But of all the Members of this League, there were none but the Venetians that did in part perform their Obligation; the Pope pro∣ceeded slowly and ambiguously, Sforza suffer'd himself to be amused by the Spa∣niards Artifices, and the King aiming at nothing but to disengage his Children, did not carry things on Vigorously. Besides he hardly ever acted any thing but by fits: the pleasures of Women and Hunting made him forget all business; He never gave any Orders but when it was out of Season, and when he had begun to repair the fault at a double expence, he would let all fall again and give over in a moment.

Thus his Army conducted by the Marquess de Salusses, could not get thither till September, and his Galleys from Marseilles did not joyn early enough with

[Year of our Lord 1526] Doria's to regain the City of Genoa, and prevent Bourbons Landing. But which was the worst, Francis de la Rovere Duke of Ʋrbin General of the Venetian For∣ces out of certain jealousies for the future, and old resentments of time past against the House of the Medicis, who had otherwise deprived him of his Dutchy, and who still reserved some pretensions, would not by any means advance the Popes Affairs too much.

He might with ease have relieved the Castle of Milan, the Burghers would have Seconded his Design and driven out the Spaniards had they been assisted, but he left them exposed to the violence of their cruel hostes, who miserably saccaged them, and tormented them so grievously, that many to escape out of their hands gave themselves a voluntary death. Afterwards those People that belonged to the Pope and Sforzas men pressed him so earnestly, that he could not refuse to ap∣proach Milan, and either besiege the City, or force the Circumvallation about the Castle: But Charles de Bourbon being got in with Eight Hundred men only, he de∣camped by Night, and obliged the other Commanders to follow him; in so much as Sforza reduced at last to the extremest Famine, Surrendred the Castle the Twenty Third of July to Charles de Bourbon, not renouncing to the Dutchy how∣ever, and reserving a certain Revenue to himself, and the liberty of going to the Emperor to make out his own Justification.

In all the rest of this War the Duke of Ʋrbin behaved himself after the same manner, he by his Malicious delayes retarded the reduction of Cremona which had Capitulated, made them lose the opportunity of forcing Milan after he had re∣ceived a re-inforcement of Fourteen Thousand Swiss, and Five or Six Thousand French whom the Marques de Salusses brought him, and that of taking Genoa, for which Andre Doria required but Fifteen Hundred men, which he would never send him.

The Colomnes Enemies of Pope Clement, and incited by the Imperialists had taken up Arms against him, he had raised men likewise to defend himself, then suffering himself to be lull'd asleep by a deceitful Peace, he disbanded them. About the end of October they got into Rome with Three or Four Thousand Men gathered together: the Cardinal Pompey Colomna having conspired to kill him and invade the Holy-See, which had been Executed, if he had not timely made his Escape in∣to the Castle Saint Angelo. Having miscarried in this, they plundred his Palace and even Saint Peters Church, then besieged him in the Castle. Hugh de Mon∣cado who was apparently the contriver, or abettor of this Conspiracy, became the mediator for an Accommodation. Which doing he constrained Clement to Treat with them, to renounce the League for Four Months, and to withdraw his For∣ces. Five Weeks after, that is to say about the end of November, he being ashamed of his base Cowardliness, excommunicated the Columnas, and degraded the Car∣dinal Pompey. In the mean while Lanoy who returned from Spain had time to bring Soldiers from Naples.

Towards Hungary there happened a great and mischievous business to the House of Austria; They would fain have made the World believe that Francis had occasioned it, and that it was he had drawn the Infidels into those Countries. Solyman falling upon that Kingdom, the young King Lewis was forced by the General of his Army (he was named Paul Tomore a man of Quality, and one who having a long time born Armes, was turned Monk of the Order of Cordeliers, and then promoted to the Archbishoprick of Colacse in the Ʋpper Hungary) to give him Battle. It was upon the Twenty Ninth of August in the Plains of Mohac's, where he was overcome and drowned in the Neigh∣bouring Marshes. All the Flower of his Nobility were Slain there, and afterwards the whole Country over-run by the Turks, and drenched with the blood of near Three Hun∣dred Thousand of his poor Subjects.

That was but the beginning of the Calamities of that unhappy Kingdom, Ferdinand the Emperors Brother founding himself upon the Right and Title of Anne his Wife Sister of King Lewis (who had likewise Married his, named Mary) and upon certain Contracts made by his Predecessors with the Kings Mathias and Ladislaus, prevailed to be Crowned King by part of the Hungarians, and John de Zapols Vaivod of Tran∣silvania Earl of Scepus was elected by the other Cabal. This being the weaker had re∣course to the protection of the Turk: which occasioned a long series of misfortunes and desolations in Hungary, equally plagued and rent in pieces by the Barbarians, and those that said they were their Kings.

Amidst the uncertainties of the Emperors Affairs concerning Milan, he had proffer'd a Ten Months Truce to the Confederates; whilst they were trotting backwards and forwards to Rome, Venice and France about this same, he recei∣ved news that his Fleet was safely arrived in Italy, and that Fourteen Thousand Lansquenets * 1.166, which George Baron of Fronsberg had raised at his expence (this was the third time he had done him the like Service) were entred into Milan. By this means his Affairs being in a good posture, he spake no more of an Ac∣commodation.

[Year of our Lord 1527] The Pope had broken the Treaty made with the Vice-Roy of Naples; and the Confederates to make a diversion Assaulted that Kingdom by Sea and Land. The Count de Vaudemont, who had his pretensions to it, as being descended from Rene Duke of Lorrain, who had the Rights and Title of the House of Anjou, commanded the Sea Forces, and Rance de Cere the Land Army for the King. The Popes irresolution and covetousness ruined all their Progress in that Country: for it hindred the providing of those things that were necessary for their subsi∣stence; and on the other hand the King failed in furnishing almost every thing that he had promised. Thus the Land Army wasted for want of provisions, and all the Fleet gained upon the Coast was soon lost again.

Upon this, the Pope had Information that Charles de Bourbon was marching towards Rome: he was so terrified that he made a Truce of Eight Months with Lanoy Vice-Roy of Naples, without knowing whether Bourbon, who depended not upon Lanoy, would accept of it.

He had made account that the Army of the League which was in Milan, would hold him still in play, or if he should march out that the others would follow him every where: but that Prince not knowing how to satisfie the grie∣vous out-cries and complaints of the People whom he had eaten to the very bones, nor the Mutinies of the Soldiers, who were every moment ready to fall upon him, in this extremity and dispair of all things resolved to go forth and seek out a Subsistence for them. He therefore passed the Po the Twenty Ninth of Janua∣ry, leaving Antonio de Leve at Milan with Eight Thousand Men for the defence of the Dutchy.

There were some believed his design was to seize upon the Kingdom of Na∣ples, that to this end he held correspondence with the King, that by private Agents he was reconciled to him, and that from France they were to furnish him with a certain Sum every Month to maintain his Army: but that the said Money not coming, and their heat and insolence increasing daily, he was constrain'd to promise them the plunder of Florence or Rome.

There is great probability it was a thing of meer necessity, and that the Duke of Ʋrbin contributed more then a little towards it, having an aking Tooth to be revenged of the Pope who still gave the Title of Dutchess of Ʋrbin to his Niece Catharine, and the Florentines who detained from him Montfeltra and some other Lands which Pope Leo X. had taken from him, and engaged to them. Indeed, it was said that Duke had promised Bourbon not to oppose his March if he went that way, and Guichardin assures us that if the Pope would but have restored Montfeltra to him, it would have obliged that Duke to serve him after another∣guess manner then he did.

Now Bourbon having sojourned forty days in the Neighbourhood of Piacenza, was encouraged, say some, by the Duke of Ferrara, who turned two Months be∣fore to the Emperors Party, to March directly to Florence or to Rome. The Pope was so fickle, and so easie to believe what he desired, that although he knew he was entred into Romagnia: nevertheless he dismissed his Forces, and relied upon the assurances Lanoy (perhaps deceived himself by Bourbon) gave him, that the said Prince would go no farther.

He soon found the contrary, for Bourbon being entred into Tuscany, and not daring to attack Florence, by reason all the Confederates Forces were about it, resolved to go and fall upon Rome. Upon the noise of his March, the Pope leaves all things intirely to the Conduct of Rance de Cere, who not having time to raise good and able men, pickt up Five or Six Thousand amongst the Estafiers or Lac∣queys, and Grooms belonging to the Cardinals, such rescals as were much more likely to affright then defend a City.

Wherefore the Fifth of May, Bourbon who had encamped himself in a Meadow near Rome, sent to demand passage thorow the City, and receiving no other answer but a denial, the next morning he went head-long and made an Assault at

[Year of our Lord 1527] a breach which was in the Wall of the Burrough Saint Peter. He was twice beaten off, the third time a Musket shot laid him dead on the Earth: but his Soldiers after two hours dispute, forced the Burrough. About Evening they pass'd the Bridge over the Tiber, and entred into the City, mad with revenge, and the de∣sire of plunder. The Pope instead of retiring into some place of Safety, as he might have done, shuts himself up in his Castle Saint Angelo with Thirteen of his Cardinals.

Whatever can be imagined of Barbarity, Impieties, Sacriledge, Cruel and Hor∣rid acts, excepting Fire, were committed upon the sacking of this great City. It lasted two whole Months, during which time, the Spaniards, who say they are such good and sound Catholicks, did much out-do the Germans, who openly pro∣fessed they were of Luthers Sect, and sworn Enemies of the Papacy.

Although the King of England had been one of the warmest Promoters of the League against the Emperor: nevertheless because it was not concluded in his Island, as he desired it might, he had not hitherto contributed any thing towards it, but remained neuter. Now Cardinal Woolsey having suffer'd himself to be enticed by King Francis, under whose protection he hoped to shelter himself a∣gainst the general hatred of the English, in case his Master should happen to die, propounded a Marriage between the King, or his second Son, and his Masters Daughter, and contrived to conclude on which of the two she should be bestow∣ed, there should be an Inter-view betwixt Boulogne and Calais.

Upon this assurance a new Confederation was made between them towards the latter end of April. Wherein it was agreed, That the King of England should renounce all claim to the Crown of France, upon the payment to him, of Fifty Thousand Crowns Pension Yearly; That in the following Month of July, they should commence the War in Italy, the English with Nine Thousand Foot Sol∣diers, the French with Fifteen Thousand, and Horse and Artillery proportiona∣ble; That they should make known this League to the Emperor, and Summon him to deliver up the Children of France, and enter into the Peace of Italy; If not, within one Month afterwards they should declare a War against him.

After this Confederation the News of the Popes being taken coming, the King made another with the Venetians the Fifteenth of May; That they should joynt∣ly maintain Ten Thousand Swiss, and pay them alternatively by the Month; That the King should send Ten Thousand Foot under the Conduct of Peter de Navarre, and that the Venetians should entertain the like number of Italian In∣fantry.

The Imperial Army was near Thirty Thousand Men, Hugh de Moncado and Dugast having brought thither all the Forces from Naples. Had they found a Ge∣neral fit to employ or Command so great a Body, they might have given Law to all Italy: but these were nothing but Mutiny and Confusion, and they were so fleshed with the City of Rome, it was impossible to get them out thence. The Vice-Roy and the Marquess Dugast fearing lest the Foot Soldiers should fall up∣on them, fled away by Night: the Prince of Orange remained and had the Title of General, but no Power; the Army would take Orders from none but them∣selves.

So that the Duke of Ʋrbin had a fair opportunity to come and deliver the Pope; and yet he made so many delays, pretending sometimes one excuse, then another, Advancing, Retreating, ranging about, that at length the Pope redu∣ced to extremity Surrendred himself the sixth day of June; and because it was upon conditions impossible for him to perform, amongst others to pay down four hundred thousand Ducats ready money, and to deliver up Places which were not in his disposal, he remained a Prisoner six whole months and in great misery un∣der the custody of Captain Alarcon a Spaniard, who formerly had the custody of King Francis.

During all this his Estates being guarded only by the People, for as much as they were interested, the Venetians his Allies Seized upon Ravenna and Cervia, with the Salt-Pits; Sigismond Malatesta on Rimini, the Duke of Ferrara upon Reggio and Modena; and the City of Florence which was almost brought under they Yoke of the Medicis, threw it off and returned to their Popular State of Government.

The Debaucheries of the Souldiers, the Nastiness of the Germans, and the ex∣cessive heats of the Weather, had Engendered a Plague in Rome, so that those Rob∣bers dying in heaps, part of them went into the Field to take the Air. The

Confederates Army diminished apace likewise, and were retired towards Or∣vietta, [Year of our Lord 1527] from whence they went to the Lake of Perugia, otherwhile named Tra∣simene.

In the mean time the Holy Father was in great danger, as well because the Plague was got into the Castle Saint Angelo, and had taken off some of his nearest Houshold Servants, as because the Spanish Captains would carry him to Cajeta with his thirteen Cardinals, and from thence he apprehended to be transferred into Spain. The Emperour desired it most passionately, and indeed they had con∣veyed him thither, if the Prelates and Spanish Lords had not made him know they thought it contrary to Christian Piety, thus to detain in Prison and like a Slave mis-use and treat the Head of all Christendom. I cannot imagine, after all, how they could be reconciled with, or judge of the proceedings of their Prince, who commanded publick Processions to be made in Spain to ask of God the deliverance of the Pope, as if himself had been two different Persons, that is, in Italy a Bar∣barous Persecutor, and in Spain a Zealous Servant to the Holy See.

The Union between the Kings of France and England becoming more strict, and the Emperour having refused to Surrender the Pope and the Children of France, they were resolved to carry the War into Italy with all their Forces. The King of England was to furnish thirty thousand Crowns in Gold per month for the payment of ten thousand Lansquenets, very good men commanded by Lewis de Lorrain, Count de Vaudemont; and Cardinal Woolsey being come to confer with the King at Boulogne, brought over three hundred thousand Crowns to lend him, if he had any need of them.

The seventeenth of September the King having called an Assembly of the most Notable Persons of the three Estates of the Kingdom, for their Advice what he should do touching the deliverance of his Children, offered to return to Prison, if they judged he were so obliged to do, rather then act or undertake any thing prejudicial to the State. The twentieth of that Month each of the three Orders separately, answered, That his person was the Kingdoms, not his; That Bur∣gundy was a Member of the Crown, whereof he was but U••u••ructuary; That [☞] therefore he could not dispose either of the one nor of the other. But withal (which was the true Motive for calling this Assembly) they offered him two Mil∣lions of Gold for the Ransom of his Children, and assured him that if it must come to a War, they would spare neither their Lives nor Fortunes.

Lautre•• had been named General of the Armies for the League according to the desire of the King of England, but against his own will, fore-seeing by experience of times past, that when once they had engaged him in that employment and he gon afar off from them, they would furnish him with nothing either in time, or in quantity sufficient. He passed the Mountains in the beginning of the Month of August with part of the Army. And till the remainder were come he Besieged the Castle of Bosco in the Alexandrian Countrey, where a thousand men were in Garrison, which he forced to Surrender at discretion. From thence he went be∣fore Alexandria which he likewise constrained to Capitulate; then to Pavia which not Submitting in due time, was taken by Assult and Saccaged, and the Governour made Prisoner. This was Lewis de Barbiana, who was named Earl of Beljoyeuse.

At the same time André Doria a Genoese, but General of the French Galleys, and Caesar Fregosa with French Forces brought Genoa under the King's Obedience; and Alphonso Duke of Ferrara forsaking the Emperours Alliance took that of France. He was absolutely sixed by the Honour the King did him, promising Renee Sister of the late Queen Claudia to his Son Hercules, who notwithstanding did not Marry him till ten months afterwards, which was in July 1528.

They did not omit in the mean time to Treat about a Peace with the Empe∣rour. The Ambassadors of France, England, Venice and Sforza, were at Burgos for that purpose: Not being able to incline him to reason, they took their leaves, [Year of our Lord 1527 and 28.] and immediately afterwards the Heraulds from the two Kings declared War a∣gainst him. The Emperour having sent those Ambassadors twenty Leagues di∣stance from the Court set Guards upon them, then some while after he released them and caused them to be conducted to Bayonne. The King treated his Am∣bassador in the same manner, he confin'd him to the Prison of the Chastelet, and let him out a few days afterwards.

Now the Emperour in his reply to the Kings Herauld, amongst other things said the King had broke his Faith, and besides he bragged how two years before

[Year of our Lord 1527 and 28.] he told the French Ambassador, that it were more expedient and brave to decide their quarrels man to man in single combat, then to trouble all Christendom, and Spill the Bloud of so many poor Innocents not concerned in their disputes. The [☞] Herauld having acquainted him thereof, he would justifie and clear himself of these two reproaches of Perfidie and Cowardice by a publick Act, and such a one as should appear most eminently to the eyes of all Europe.

He caused therefore a Scaffold to be set up in the great Hall of the Palace, where sitting in his Royal Robes, attended by his Princes, and in presence of all those Ambassadors that were then about his Court, he sent for him that belong∣ed to Spain (this was Nicholas Perrenot de Granvelle a Native of mean extract in Franche Comie, but a man of Brain) and caused a Cartel, or challenge to be read before him which gave the Emperour the Lie, and demanded he should assign the place for Combat, and that he would bring the Weapons thither. The Ambas∣sador excusing himself from carrying this Challenge, he sent a Herald to ac∣quaint the Emperour with it, and the King of England at the same time sent him the like defiance by a Messenger of his own.

Some while after the Emperour sent back a Herauld to the King with his an∣swer. The King placed himself in the same posture to receive it: but being in∣formed he would appoint no place, till after the King should have diengaged his word and his Children, he commanded him not to speak: And thus all those challenges proved nothing but fine Theatrical Shows.

It had been agreed between the Kings of France and England, that this latter should attaque the Emperour in the Low-Countries: But his Subjects having an aversion for a War against the Flemmings, because it destroyed their Commerce, he rather chose to lend the King thirty thousand Crowns per Month, and treated a Truce for all Merchants trading between the Low-Countries, France and Eng∣land, to have free liberty for a year.

Upon the News of Lautrec's marching into Italy, the Emperour had sent an Order to set the Pope at Liberty, but first to endeavour the tying him to strict and harsh Conditions. The Treaty for his freedom being concluded with Mon∣cado, whom the Emperour had by provision made Vice-Roy of Naples, in the room of Lanoy who was lately dead, he would not trust himself there till the next day, but that very night slipt away disguised like a Merchant, having before caused his Hostages to evade who would have run a great risque.

Lautrec had regained almost the whole Milanois, and might in a short time have mastered Milan, if the Kings express orders had not enjoyned him to give up all the Places to Sforza, and to go to Rome to deliver the Holy Father. When he was entring upon Romagnia he heard that he was escaped, and that the Impe∣rial Army upon the report of his March had quitted Rome to go and defend the Kingdom of Naples. The Plague had devoured above two thirds of that Sacri∣legious Army, and it was observed that within the compass of one year there were not two hundred reamining, but which in divers manners had felt the re∣fentments of Divine Vengeance.

He pursued these Robbers by long Marches, and having overtaken them at Ab∣bruzzo presented Battle to them. They dislodged in the night with great dis∣order and retired into Naples. It was believed that if he had followed them in at their heels he might have expected good success from their Fears: but he amused himself in taking of other Places, and then, when he had missed of so fair an op∣portunity, he laid Siege to Naples.

[Year of our Lord 1528] The Confederates at the same time when he entred that Kingdom, were to have fallen upon Sicilia with their Fleet, which was got together at Leghorn. But they were disabled by a Tempest which so grievously shattered the twelve Gal∣leys equipped by the Venetians that they were forced to put in at Corsu to Refit. Rance de Cere and Andrea Doria with the Kings Ships, made a descent at Sardinia, put the Vice-Roy of that Island to a rout, though he had double their Number, and entred Pell-mell with him into the City of Sassary, which they Plundred.

This S uccess was the occasion of great Misfortunes: For the Souldiers over∣glutted with Eating, died most part of the Disenterie; The King Plunged over Head and Ears in Pleasures became more negligent in sending Supplyes to Lau∣trec: And Andrea Doria having some disputes with Rance de Cere, it hap'ned that this last finding more favour then the other at Court, the thoughts there∣of Aggravated all those other little discontents he had formerly met with from the French.

[Year of our Lord 1528] He had in his mind, as it appeared afterwards, a great desire of restoring his Country to its Liberty: To this end he offered the King two hundred thousand Gold Crowns, to let him have the Government of it, not to hold it, but that he might make a Regulation, and he made earnest Applications that the French should give up the City of Savonna to that State, because that being the better Port would ruin Genoa, and make the City become Desert: But the King ab∣solutely denyed him both the one and the other. Being therefore Malecontented in his Soul at this refusal, and for their not paying him the Prince of Orange's Ran∣som, he carried his Galleys back to Genoa, under colour of having been so weather∣beaten, that they stood in need of reparations.

The French Army lay Encamped before Naples from mid-April, Lautrec think∣ing to have it by Famine, and for that purpose was so pressing with Andrea Doria, that he sent him the Kings eight Galleys, and eight more which were his own; all under the Command of his Brother Philippine. Upon their Arrival they took three great Vessels laden with Corn, which they were conveying into City. It was believed that if the Venetian Forces had come in time, and had not employ∣ed themselves, as they did, to recover some Cities in the Golf for their Seigneu∣ry, which they had lost in the time of Lewis XII. Philippine and they together might have so effectually blocked up the Port that no Provisions should have been carried in to Naples, which began to feel some want.

The Spaniards did not however get much by the bargain in making such hast to engage Philippine, before the Venetians came to joyn him. Hugh de Moncado had put a thousand Select Arquebusiers▪ on Board their Fleet thinking to do great things: Notwithstanding Philippine gained Victory, Moncado the Vice-Roy of Sicilia was there Slain with above twelve hundred of their Bravest Men.

This great Success much heightning the hopes of Lautrec, did much increase his Negligence, many things were already wanting in his Army, first water to drink, the Enemies having Poisoned that little which was good: In the second place Forage for their Horses; from whence followed another inconvenience, for having sent his Horse to all the Neighbouring Towns; those belonging to the Enemies were then strongest, and fetched divers little Convoyes into Naples, and likewise cut off his Provisions. Besides this they sent the Plague into his Army, by some People who carried Cloaths thither which were Infected; and to all these was added Manifest Defection of Andrea Doria, and all those of his House.

Lautrec foreseeing that his discontent would burst out with some great executi∣on, dispatched William de Bellay Langeay to the King to let him know that his Affairs absolutely required he should give all satisfaction and content to a man that was so necessary. Langeay passed through Genoa, heard the complaints and demands of Doria, and reported them to King. He had been pacified, would they have restored Savonna to the Genoese: but the Mareschal de Montmorency who was in favour, being interested there, for the Imposts that were paid in the Port of Savonna belonged to him: The Chancellour who flattered him, when the business was brought before the Council, rejected the Proposition as Extra∣vagant, treated Doria as a Proud and Insolent Person, and brought it to a Resolu∣tion of Seizing upon him.

The order for it was given to Barbesieux of the Family de la Roche-Foucaud with the Title of Admiral in the Levant Seas, and the Command of fifteen Galleys, and some Vessels, whereon they Embarqued five or six thousand men for the Siege of Naples. But the business was not carried so secretly but he had some hint of it, he retires from Savonna where he then was to Genoa. Barbesieux went to confer with him, told him what Commands he had. Doria answer'd That he had taken good care he should not put them in Execution, and promised to give up the Kings Galleys: but he caused them to be Stolen away basely by Antany Doria, and withdrawing to Portofin prefected his Treaty with the Emperour with conditions very advantagious.

Barbesieux was constrained by this change to remain some while in the River of Genoa, and to leave near three thousand of his men to bridle that City. He was again stopt almost three weeks by the Pope to besiege Civita-Vecehia, and in the mean while Philippine having received orders from his Brother, quitted the French, and before he went away put some Provisions in to Naples, which he could not have done if Barbesieux had been there.

[Year of our Lord 1528] The Supplies he put on Shore were but eight or nine hundred men, Comman∣ded by Peter de Navarre. Two thirds of Lautrec's Army were already destroy'd by Sickness which no more sparing the Chief Commanders than it did the pri∣vate Souldiers, had carried off the Count de Vaudemont, Charles Bastard Brother to the King of Navarre, and many other Persons of Note. It had some days be∣fore Seized likewise upon Lautrec; his Officers advised him to retire to Capoua, and made it appear that Naples would fall of its self, having no other places on the Land that could Support it: But he had Vow'd either to take it, or die in the Attempt. His Stubbornness made the last a truth: For his Distemper increas∣ing put an end to his Life and his Enterprize the sixteenth day of the Month of August.

After his Death the Marquess de Salusses took the Command of those Languish∣ing Forces, and continued the Siege for some days, not with any hopes of taking the City, but to wait for Rance de Cere and the Prince of Malfe,* 1.167 that he might be able to make his Retreat to Capoua.▪ That City being gained by the Enemy, he retired into Aversa; They pursued him without Intermission, and having de∣feated a Party of his men upon their Retreat, and got a great many Illustrious Prisoners, amongst others Peter de Navarra, they blocked both him and all his up in that place. Being wounded with a Culverin Shot in the Knee, he Capitulated, promising on his part to do what lay in his Power to procure the Surrender of such Places as the French held in that Country, by which means he obtained Life and Liberty for the Garrison to retire, but not for himself; For he remained a Prisoner of War and died soon after; as did likewise fifteen or twenty Eminent Lords, and above four hundred Officers or Gentlemen. The Prince of Malfé who had taken part with France and Rance de Cere a Roman Barron, kept Barletta and some other Maritime Places till the Treaty of Cambray.

A little before the Death of Lautrec, the Duke of Brunswic had undertaken to bring twelve thousand Lansquenets and six hundred Horse to the relief of Na∣ples. And the King had given five hundred men of Arms, as many Light-Horse, and six thousand Foot to the Count de Saint Pol to oppose him in his Passage. The Count being informed, that Brunswick for want to Pay, was returned back again, staid in the Dutchy of Milan, and having joyned the Confederates Army regained some Places: but most of his Troops Disbanding for the same cause as Brunswic's he did not great Exploits.

In the mean time Andrea Doria knowing the French Garrison in Genoa being re∣duced to a samll number, had Quartered themselves in the Castle by reason of the Plague almost Depopulated the whole City, approached with his Galleys, and Landing only about six hundred men, made himself Master of the place. The French Navy fearing to be shut up in the Harbour, left it in all hastle, and retired to Savonna. The Castle held out some Months, and was not Surren∣dred till the following year.

When Andrea Doria, by his Treaty with the Emperour had obtained the sole Au∣thority in Genoa, he made use of it very generously to restore it to its Liberty; And without attempting or designing to make himself Soveraign of his Native Countrey, as the Medicis did in theirs, Established a form of Government, almost the very same at it is yet to this day. He thought such an act of eminent Vertue (above the Power and reach of time or Fortune to destory) was a much safer way to gain Immortal Fame, then with injustice to acquire a petty Soveraignty, which every little accident might have overthrown, and which he could not have maintained without continual trouble and hazard.

The Lutherans and the Sacramentaries gained upon the minds of those that were lovers of Novelties, by their Writings and Emissaries who crept into the Universities and amongst the curious. The Chancellour Duprat lately made Cardinal and Arch-Bishop of Sens, assembled a Provincial Council of his seven Suffragans in the Augustin Convent at Paris, where he made divers excellent Decrces to stop the progress of those Opinions, and to reform the Clergy, whose dissolute behaviour had given rise to those Scandals. The year after, Lewis Berquin of Artois for Preching Luther's Errors, was burnt in Paris the two and twentieth of March.

This very year 1528. were forced the first Seeds Englands Schism; The Cardinal Woolsey to be revenged of the Emperour who had deluded him and despised him, as like∣wise to oblige King Francis who slattered his ambition and his avarice, had perswaded his Master that his Marriage with Catherine of Arragon was not good, it being against

the Law of God that a Woman should marry the two Brothers, for when Henry took her [Year of our Lord 1528] she was then Widow of his eldest Brother Arthur; that therefore the Pope must declare it null, and that afterwards he might marry with Margaret the Kings Sister, Widow of the Duke of Alenson. In effect the Irons were put into the Fire, and the Pope, as things then stood betwixt him and the Emperour, hearkned most willingly to it, and com∣missioned two Cardinals, Campejus and Woolsey to he judges of the matter upon the place. He also sent a Bull to Campejus which dissolved the Marriage, with order never∣theless not to deliver it, nor to let it be seen but as a Secret: But finding the Emperors Affairs succeeded better then his own, and that he would make him repent it, he sent to Campejus to Burn it, and to wira-draw the business. After which Catherine refusing to own those two Cardinals for Judges, and appealing to the Holy See, before whom the Ambassadors from the Emperor and the Arch-Duke Ferdinand protested likewise a Nul∣lity of all that they could judge, his Holiness removed and brought it before himself; which enraged the King of England beyond expression.

Mean while Woolsey repented he had carried it on so far, because he perceived now that Henry who so earnestly desired the Divorce, had no inclination to marry Mar∣garet of France, but a Damoiselle of the Queens his Wife, with whom he was Furi∣ously in Love. She was called Anne Bullen, was Imbued with the opinions of Luther; [☞] yet withal too gallent, and one that could Sing and Dance too well to be wise or staid. Henry observing therefore that he retarded the business instead of helping it forward with dispatch, let him fall into disfavour; and immediately every one turned their backs upon him. This proud Cardinal who used ordinarily to say the King* 1.168 and I, saw him∣self forsaken of all his Friends, displaced from his Office of Chancellour, then Banished to his Bishoprick, afterwards made a Prisoner, persecuted all manner of ways, and re∣duced to the extremest misery. In fine, the following year as they were bringing him from York to London to answer to such Treasons as were laid to his Charge, he dyed, as it hath ever been desired those proud Ministers may die and fall, who abuse the Autho∣rity of their Masters.

[Year of our Lord 1529] After the ruine of the French Army in the Kingdom of Naples, the Spaniards reduced all the Towns and Places at their ease. In Milanois the Confederates Army commanded by the Duke of Ʋrbin regained Pavia, which Dugast had ta∣ken: but the Count de Saint Pol was surprized at Landriana by Antonio de Leva who marched out of Milan, not above five Leagues from it. In the midst of this danger his Lansquenets proved Turn-Coats, his Italians abandoned him, he was overcome and made prisoner. All his Horse and his Van-guard made their escape to Pavia.

After this Defeat there was a kind of tacit Truce between the Princes. All would have a Peace, the King out of desire to get home his Children, the Pope upon the consideration of his many former miseries and sufferings, and the Em∣peror because he had obtained what he desired.

About the Month of June it was first concluded at Barcelona between the Pope and the Emperor, very advantageous to the first, because the other had a most eager desire to go and receive the Imperial Crown at Rome. The principal Conditions were that the Emperor should give his Bastard Daughter to Alexander de Me∣dicis, That he should re-establish that Family in Florence with the same Power and Authority it had before they were driven from thence; and that he should procure those Cities and Places to be restored which belonged to the Church. On the other hand the Pope received him as Homager for the Kingdom of Na∣ples upon the presenting him annually with a white Horse, and gave him power of nomination to the four and twenty Cathedral Churches which were in con∣troversie; with this he also granted him a fourth part of the Fruits and Reve∣nues of the Church, as well in his own Lands, as in those of the Arch-Duke Fer∣dinand, to be employ'd in making a War against the Turks.

In the following Month of July, Margaret Aunt to the Emperor and Louisa Mother of the King, meeting at Cambray to Treat of a Peace between the two Crowns, did conclude it likewise in presence of the Ambassadors from the Pope, the King of England, and the Venetians; It was published the Fifth day of August. The Articles were almost the same as those at Madrid, excepting that the King retained the Dutchy of Burgundy, to which the Emperor reserved his Rights and Actions to be pursued by fair and friendly methods and proceedings. It was likewise agreed he should revoke the Sentence of Condemnation pronounced against Bourbon, and that he should restore all his Goods moveable and immovea∣bles

[Year of our Lord 1529] to his Heirs; and as to his Ransome, he should pay two Millions of Gold Crowns to the Emperor, or for his Account, to wit 1200000 Crowns ready Money upon the Release of his Children. 400000 to the King of England as from him, and for security of the remaining 400000. he should engage to him the Lands which Mary of Luxemburgh had formerly in Flanders, Brabant, and Hay∣nault, and which she brought to the House of Bourbon-Vendosme. Moreover that he should redeem the Flower de Luce, (this was a Jewel of Price which Duke Philip the Good had pawned to the King of England;) whom he should likewise satissie in the Emperors behalf for the Sum of 500000 Crowns in Gold, which he had promised to that King in case he did not Marry his Daughter. As for the Venetians and Florentines the Allies of France, they were comprized in this Treaty, after such a manner that they were left to the discretion of the Em∣peror.

Although the King of England was discontented that it had been concluded without his knowledge: nevertheless standing in need of the King for the vaca∣ting of his Marriage, he forgave him the 500000 Crowns, and gratified his Son Henry whose God-Father he was, with the redemption of the Flower de Luce. In return the King so order'd it that the Doctors of his Universities and those of Italy held favourable Consultations touching the Divorce.

Whilst the Treaty was on Foot, the Emperor leaving Spain Landed at Genoa the 12th of August with a great Fleet which carried Ten Thousand Men, and at the same time Felix of Wirtembergh entred by Land upon Milanois with a like number. The Potentates of Italy did all bow down to this Power, and the Pope himself came to Bologna to receive him. But the Emperor informed of Solyman's irruption in Hungary, durst not use all his Power to oppress them; but on the contrary yielding to their Intreaties, he resettled Francis Sforza in the Dutchy of Milan, and agreed with all the other, from whom he drew vast Sums of Mo∣ney.

[Year of our Lord 1529. and 30.] There were none but the poor Florentines who remained exposed to the re∣sentments of the Pope, because they refused to submit themselves to the Medicis, who were but private Citizens no more then the rest. The Emperor lent him his Forces to Besiege their City, who having defended themselves for Eleven Months, in vain imploring the help of France and their ancient Confederates, Surrendred upon Composition the Fifth of August in the following Year, and were reduced under the Dominion of the Medicis, although by the Treaty it was said that the Pope should Establish no Government that should be contrary to their Liberty.

[Year of our Lord 1529] During these troubles between the two greatest Powers of Christendom, Solyman snatched away the best part of Hungary. The pretended King John had called him to his aid, making himself his Subject and his Tributary: but the Tyrant instead of put∣ting him into possession of the Kingdom, took for himself the Cities of the five Churches, Alba Royal where were the Sepulchers of their Kings, Buda, Strigonium, and Altem∣burgh. After these Conquests he laid Siege to Vienna: but in a Months time the scarcity of Provisions and the approach of Winter made him dislodge. He raised his Siege the Fourteenth of October after he had lost near Threescore Thousand men, and took his March towards Constantinople, threatning to return the next year with a much greater force.

Those that adher'd to the doctrine of Luther acquired this year the Surname of Protestants, because there having been a Decree made by the Arch-duke Ferdinand and other Catholick Princes in the Diet of Spire in favour of the ancient Religion, and to hinder the progress of theirs, they protested against it, and appealed to the Emperor, and to a General or National Council.

[Year of our Lord 1530] The following year appeared their Confession of Faith, which is called the Ausburgh Confession because they presented it to the Emperor in the Assembly which was held in that City, to endeavour to pacifie and allay the differences in Religion. Luther had com∣posed it in Seventeen Articles, Melancton explained and enlarged them.

The Affairs of Hungary and Germany not permitting the Emperor to be long ab∣sent, the Pope gave him the Imperial Crown at Bologna with the same Ceremonies as if he had been at Rome. The Emperor affected to pitch upon the Twenty fourth day of February for this great Ceremony, as being his Birth-day, and the day likewise of the taking of King Francis at Pavia. Having sojourned there till the Two and Twentieth of March, he returned into Germany, and before he left Italy erected the Marquisate of

Mantoua to a Dutchy, in favour of Frederic Gonzague, who merited a greater Title, if [Year of our Lord 1530] his Territory could have born it.

They had much adoe in France to make up the Twelve Hundred Thousand Crowns promised by the Treaty of Cambray, for the Release of the Kings Chil∣dren. The Mareschal de Montmorency carried them to Endaya, and the first day of June exchanged them for the two Princes, in the same place, and in the same manner as they did the Father. The King went to meet them as far as Verin, which is a Nunnery in the Launds of Bourdeaux near the Mount de Marsan.

In the same place he Married Eleonora the Emperors Sister who had sent her to him with his Sons. The year following in the Month of March she was Crowned at Saint Denis, and the City of Paris graced her with a Magnificent Entry. This Princess aged thirty Years and rather ill-favour'd then handsom, never possessed the heart of her Husband: but that she might be consider'd, gained the respects of the Mareschal de Montmorency who at that time governed the King and the Kingdom.

The Catholicks and Protestants had agreed in the Assembly at Ausburgh to call a Council that might put an end to their differences, and the Emperor had given his assent, because he would make use of this Proposition to awe the Pope. In effect he was so alarmed at it, that he wrote to the Kings of France and England, that he would do all they would desire, provided they hindred the Council. In the mean time the Catholicks of Germany finding their Religion endanger'd, made a League amongst themselves in the Month of November. Which gave occasion to the Protestants to frame one likewise at Smalcalde about the end of the following Month.

[Year of our Lord 1531] The first effect of the Catholicks League, was that by their help the Emperor got his Brother Ferdinand to be Elected King of the Romans, who was already so of Hungary and Bohemia (it was upon the Fifth of January in the Diet of Co∣len) without having any regard to the oppositions of John Duke of Saxony, and the Remonstrances of other Protestant Princes; who being yet more alarmed upon this Election, sent to the Kings of France and England to implore their Assistance. They willingly granted it, and Entred with them into a League, but only to defend their Lands, and the Rights and Liberties of the Empire. The English promised to furnish them with Fifty Thousand Crowns monthly, if they were Assaulted, and the French deposited an Hundred Thousand Crowns in the hands of the Bavarian Princes to Levy Men in case they found reason for it, or were necessitated thereto.

During the calmes of Peace, to the Love for Ladies he joyned the Love of Learning. The good King Lewis XII. had caused him to be bred in the Col∣ledge of Navarre; and although he had made but a very small progress in the Latine Tongue: nevertheless the little smattering he had gave him a great Gu∣sto for the Sciences: especially Astronomy, Physick, Natural History, and Law. He kept near him the ablest men in all the Kingdom, who studied to make hand∣some and Methodical discourses to him upon all those parts of Learning, most commonly whilst he sat at Dinner; sometimes in his Walks or in his Closet; and he improved so well by those entertainments, that he became as knowing as the greatest Masters.

In acknowledgement of those Inestimable benefits, he raised many of them to Offices, and showred Presents and Pensions upon the rest. Nor did they advance his Affairs a little by their Services, and render his Name Illustrious to the Eyes of all Nations by their Works; so that in spite of Fortune he gained most Re∣nown, though his rival flourish'd with more Success. He instituted the Royal (or Regis) Professors at Paris for the Sciences and for the Tongues. He had like∣wise a design to Build a Colledge and to settle a Fund of Fifty Thousand Crowns Revenue for the breeding and maintenance of Six Hundred Gentlemen. He got together a huge number of Manuscripts of Ancient Authors, which make up that precious Library, which is the rarest Treasure of our Monarchs of France. In a word, he merited the glorious Surname of the Father, or Patron, and restorer of Learning.

The long and tedious Wars, and his Imprisonment, had accustomed the No∣bility to all sorts of Violence and Crimes: He caused the Grand-Jours, or Sessi∣ons to be held at Poitiers (this is an extraordinary Tribunal of Judges Commis∣sioned

[Year of our Lord 1531] for a certain time and chosen out of those belonging to the Parliament) to punish the most guilty. There were others held during his Reign, at Rion in Auvergne in the Year 1545.

Towards the end of July there was a Hairy Comet observed in the Heavens, which was visible all the Month of August. The vulgar imagined it foretold the death of Louisa of Savoy, the Kings Mother, who might justly boast she brought him twice into the World, once when he was born, and again when by her care she deliver'd him from his Captivity. She died at Grez in Gastinois the two and twentieth of September, as she was Travelling to her Castle of Remorantin in Ber∣ry, after a long fit of Sickness she had endured at Fontainebleau.

From the end of the Year 1528. to the beginning of the Year 1534. the wrath of Heaven was so great against France that there was a perpetual irregularity in the Sea∣sons, or to speak truth Summer alone usurped the place of the other three; insomuch as in five years there had not been two days Frost together. These tedious heats ener∣vated, as we may say, and decay'd Nature, making her impotent: she brought nothing to maturity. The Trees put forth their Blossoms immediately upon their Fruit, Corn did not multiply in the Fields, and for want of Winter there were such multitudes of Vermin and Insects that fed upon it at its first tender sprouting up, that the Harvest yielded not enough for Seed against the next Season for Sowing. This scarcity caused a general Fa∣mine, then came a Disease which they named Truss-Galant; after that a dreadful Plague, so that these three destroyed above a fourth part of the People.

[Year of our Lord 1532] Anno 1532. The King made a Journey into Bretagne, and there after the de∣liberation, which he procured with no small trouble, of the Estates of the Coun∣try Assembled at Vannes, he United that Province to the Crown, and would needs have his Son Crowned Duke at Rennes, and bear their Arms with those of France and Daufine. The Patent for this Union bears date at Nantes in the Month of August of this Year 1532.

During the six years of Peace, the Emperor labour'd in Settling and Compo∣sing his Affairs in Germany, which were much embroiled by the different Sects; in opposing the designs of Solyman; and more yet in contriving wayes and means to ruine the Affairs or at least blast the reputation of King Francis. This year he went to the Diet at Ratisbon, where at the request of the Princes of the Empire, he reformed the Imperial Chamber, and obtained of them and the Cities a very great Supply against the Turk, who was making ready to fall upon Hungary with innumerable Forces by Land, and upon Italy with a powerful Fleet by Sea.

He made use of this occasion to demand of the King that he would lend him Money, and his* 1.169 Gentdarmerie. He answer'd, as touching the Money, that he was no Banker, and for his Horse-men, that they were the strength of his State, and that he lent them no more then he would his Sword, but would fight at the head of them that he might have his share in the Honour or in the Danger.

But because the Imperialists proclaim'd it was a shame that both he and the King of England, should stand idle, or with their Hands in their Pockets amidst the danger that threatned all Christendom, they made a League whereby they engaged betwixt them to set Four-score Thousand Men on Foot, with an Equipage suitable and convenient to Attack the common Enemy; and the King in particu∣lar proffer'd to defend Italy, which the Emperor had denuded of all his Forces, in case the Turkish Navy should land there.

The year was much advanc'd when Solyman appeared upon the Frontiers of Hungary with Two Hundred Thousand Men. Germany notwithstanding their Divisions made a greater effort then ever; They opposed him with an Army of Ninety Thousand Foot, and Thirty Thousand Horse all modelled Troops. The Emperor was at their Head, and this was his first Expedition, which gave him a gusto for the Trade ever afterwards. One Battle would have decided the Fate of either Empire, and made one sole Master of the Universe: But neither the one nor the other durst run the hazard of so great an Event, there were only some Combats between detached Bodies. Solyman withdrew first, Charles V. afterwards in so great hast that he staid not to drive the pretended King John out of Hunga∣ry, as he might have done. Before his return into Spain, he went to Bologna where he confer'd a second time with the Pope.

[Year of our Lord 1532] The Union appeared very strickt between King Francis and King Henry. These Princes desiring to confer with each other about their Affaires, met in the Month of October at Saint Joquevert, between Boulogne and Calais, according as they had appointed the foregoing year. Henry came to Boulogne to visit Francis, who re∣turned him his Visit at Calais. Both of them were much dissatisfied with the Pope particularly Henry, because he refused to appoint him Judges upon the place to take Cognizance in the matter of Divorce. They treated therefore a League de∣fensive with and against all, and projected to demand of the Pope, one his Assi∣stance to recover the Dutchy of Milan, the other a Bull for the dissolving of his Marriage, otherwise they would withdraw their Kingdoms from his Obedience till a General Council, the only Name whereof as they well knew, made him even tremble. But the news they received af Solymans retreat, somewhat allayed those Propositions, and delivered Italy from that approaching War they had threatned it withal.

The Pope and Emperor saw each other at Bologne with the same Demonstra∣tions of Amitie, as the first time, but with much different Sentiments. The Em∣peror pressed him to call a Council, because he had promised the Germans one, to renew a Confederation with all the Princes of Italy, for their common defence against the French, and to bestow his Niece Catherine* 1.170 upon Francis Sforza. He likewise was earnest with him to cast his Spiritual Thunderbolts against the King of England for having Divorced himself from his Aunt Katherine.

As to the first, the Pope not finding himself irreproachable, but much hated of the Italian Princes, because he had oppressed the City of Florence, which was the place of his Nativity, could not be induced to grant it, but replyed in gene∣ral terms he must Communicate the thing first to the other Princes of Christen∣dom. As to the second he gave his consent, and made a League for some [Year of our Lord 1533] Months. For the third, he excused himself, because he had hopes of Marrying his Niece with the Kings second Son, a party much more Advantageous then Sforza could be. The Cardinal de Tournon, and de Gramont were then upon the Negociation with him about this Alliance. The Emperor could not believe the King would so much Debase and Vilifie the Noblest Bloud in the World; He was much amazed when the two Cardinals shewed him the Powers they had for it. Then went he away very ill satisfied with his Holiness, though to appease him he promised to give him content in what he demanded against the King of England, and Embarquing at Genoa about the end of February, he passed into Spain.

Henry made most Vehement instances to Francis, that he would Impetrate of the Pope, he might have Judges appointed on the Place. The two Cardinals whom we have mentioned, being arrived at Bologna, the fourth of January in the year 1533 obtained of his Holiness that he would defer the Judgement of that business, till the King and he should had seen one another at the place appointed for that Meeting. They had agreed upon the City of Nice: but the Duke of Sa∣voy making too many Difficulties, the Pope consented, not without much Re∣pugnance, that it should be at Marseilles, and that they should come there in the Month of October.

The Amorous Impatience of Henry could not attend till then, he caused his Marriage with Catherine to be Dissolved by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and Espoused Anne Bullen in the presence of four or five Witnesses only. He was Emboldned thereto by the three Thomases who governed him, these were Cranmer Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Cromwel Lord Chamberlain and Privy-Seal, and Au∣dley Lord High Chancellour. The thing being done he gave notice of it to King Francis, intreating his assistance for what he demanded of the Pope, and to keep the business Secret.

It could not be kept so Private, but that in one Months time both the Pope and the Emperor were made acquainted with it. Both of them were Netled and Incensed to the greatest Extremity, in-so-much as the Pope Pronounced the Sen∣tence of Excommunication against Henry; and nevertheless he refrained from Publishing it upon the Kings request; who on the one hand being obliged to Henry, and on the other desiring to be firmly united to the Pope, sought out some way for an Accommodation. However he promised nothing to King Henry, saving that he would do him all the good Offices he could without prejudice ei∣ther to his Religion or his Conscience. And indeed the Pope desired that he would not press him in that concern beyond his Duty and the rules of Justice▪

[Year of our Lord 1533] In the mean time Anne Bullen was deliver'd of a Daughter who was named Eliza∣beth. This was in the Month of September of this year 1533.

The tenth of October the Pope arrived at Marseilles in the Kings Galleys, who took him in at the Port of Pisa. Some days before John Stuard Duke of Al∣bany had brought thither Catherine de Medicis, whose Maternal Aunt he had Married; John de Bellay Bishop of Paris and afterwards Cardinal, Harangued his Holiness in most Elegant Latin. The next day after he had made his Entrance into the City, the King made his, with his Queen. The Nuptials between Henry and Catherine were Celebrated the seven and twentieth of the Month, with as great Joy as Magnificence. The Pope and the King spent several days together, being Lodged in two Houses just opposit, the Street betwixt them, but joyned by a Timber Gallery, so that they went to each other unseen, and could treat of their Affairs with the greatest Privacy.

Upon this occasion the King did not forget his usual Magnificence, but rather Surpassed it very much. He Loaded with exquisite Presents and great Pensions all those Cardinals that were with his Holiness: But he made the Beauty of his mind and Eloquence out-shine the luster of his Gifts, and that whole Court was satisfied, that if there were a richer Prince in the World, yet there could not be any one that made a more generous use of his Riches, nor that accompanied his favours with so much wit and so much kindness as he.

The two and twentieth of November the Pope and he parted very well pleased with all their Negociations, excepting that the King had extorted from the Pope four Cardinals Hats for four Relations of his Favorites: these were John le Ve∣neur Bishop of Lisieux Grand Almoner of France, Claude de Giury Paternal Uncle to the Wife of de Brion, Odet de Coligny but thirteen years of Age, Son of Mont∣morency's Sister, and Philip de la Chambre Brother by the Mother to John Duke of Albany. This last took the name of Cardinal of Boulogne, he being descended from that House by his Mother.

As to the rest there was no new League made between the Pope and the King, contrary to the expectation of the whole World. The Pope promised only to do all he could in favour of Prince Henry* 1.171 his second Son to obtain the Dutchy of Milan of the Emperor for him: And as to the business of the King of England, the King could not prevail with the Pope to revoke the Excommunication, but only that he would not Publish it till he had first tryed by all manner of perswa∣sions to bring that Prince again to reason. To this intent he forthwith dispatched John du Bellay Bishop of Paris into England, to exhort him not to depart from the Communion of the Roman Church.

This wise and able Prelate having obliged King Henry to promise him that point, provided the Pope on his part would forbear publishing the Excommuni∣cation, went Post to Rome to carry this good News, and demand time, to re∣claim and fix that inconstant and stubborn Spirit. The Imperialists could not prevent him from procuring it, but they caused it to be limited to a much shorter space then was requisite. Du Bellay therefore sent back a Courier into England, with order to return by such a certain time; Now the day being come, but not the Courier, the Imperialists pressed the business so hotly, that although he re∣presented that the Frosts and Snows and other Inconveniencies of the Season and Way might hinder and retard him, and desired another respite only for six days: Yet the Pope refused it, and doing in one Meeting what he ought not to have done but in three, he Pronounced the Sentence and caused it to be affixed in the usual places.

Two days after the Courier arrived, bringing very ample Powers, by which King Henry Submitted himself to the Judgement of the Holy See, provided cer∣tain Cardinals whom he suspected abstained from being his Judges, and that they would send Commissioners to Cambray to take Information, and hear those proofs he would offer. The Holy Father perceived then the Fault he had committed by his Precipitating a thing of that Importance, and could well have desired to find out some remedy: But the time was past, his fatal hand had given the blow, which made so desperate a Wound as wholly cut off England from the Communion of the Church of Rome. For Henry transported with fury that he had posted him up at Rome, withdrew himself absolutely from all obedience to the Pope, declared himself Head of the Anglicane Church, and persecuted severely all those that op∣posed this change.

It is observed that if the Pope had deferr'd the Judgement but ten Months, death would have disengag'd him from all these Intricacies, and cut this knot, by taking Catherine out of this World, as it did in January following.

[Year of our Lord 1533. and 34.] The Kings constancy for the Catholick Faith, was then like to be sorely shaken by two strong Temptations; the one was the King of Englands Summons Sollicit∣ing him to break with the Pope to preserve the strict Colligation that was be∣tween them: the other the Induction of his dear Sister Margaret, who would needs have perswaded him to call in Philip Melancthon, and give him Audience concerning the means he had to propound for accommodating the differences in Religion. But, as to the first he replyed in Substance to the King of England, A Friend even to the Alter: And for the second the Cardinal de Tournon put by that dangerous blow, and fortified the Kings mind so well, that he would never after give the least Ear to any of those Reformers, but in time did also wean his Sister from that Fondness she had, and hankering after Novelties.

Each day Accumulated more and more cause of Quarrel and War between the King and the Emperor. This last had great Jealousie of the Enter-view at Mar∣seille, and the Marriage there Solemnized; He likewise thought himself highly affronted for that the King was entred into the League of the German Princes Confederated at Smalcalde; and he was no less so for his assisting of the Dukes of Wirtemberg in the Diet of Ausburgh where their cause against his Brother Ferdinand was Judged, who detained their Lands; as also for that William Langey by his Contrivances and his Perswasive and Powerful Eloquence, broke the League of Scwaben, which had lasted for seventy years to the great advantage of the House of Austria.

King Francis on his part complained of a very Bloody and cruel injury. He had in the number of his Esquires a Gentleman of Milan named Francis de Mer∣veille, who had gained much wealth in his Service: And knowing that he would be willing to make some shew of it in his native Country, he sent him to Milan in quality of Secret Ambassador: Merveille was so vain as not to conceal his Em∣ployment, the Emperor knew of it and made complaint to Sforza with Threats, who promised to give him Satisfaction. Now it happened either by chance, or otherwise, that some People of that Country made a Quarrel with Merveille, and some body was killed in the Fray. The Duke fails not to lay hold of this op∣portunity to content the Emperor, and under colour of Justice, but without any form, causes his head to be cut off by night and in the Prison: This hap'ned a little before the Kings journey to Marseille.

In pursuance of the Kings League with the Confederates of Smalcalde, Philip Landt∣grave of Hesse, Espoused the Quarrel of the Dukes of Wirtemberg (who that he might have Money to prosecute the same, engaged Montbelliard to the King) and declared War against Ferdinand; over whose Army having gained a Notable Victory, he re-Established them in their County, and obliged Ferdinand to allow all Liberty to the Pro∣testants (the Sacramentaries and Anabaptists not Comprised,) Ʋpon which condition they acknowledged him King of the Romans.

The Landtgrave had promised Francis to go into Italy, which however he did not; and this King with the Design of renewing a War, set up a Militia in all his Provinces, which he distributed in seven Bodies of Six Thousand Men each, they were named Legions. This institution lasted not long, it would have render∣ed the People too Powerful, and the Government too weak.

The twenty fourth of September died Pope Clement. Two days after the Cardinals being assembled in Conclave elected Alexander Farnese named Paul III.

At this time John Cauvin or Calvin, aged twenty four, or five years, began to ex∣pose his Doctrine, more conformable to that of the Sacramentaries, than to that of Lu∣ther, and which went much farther, for it did not only touch upon the inward belief, but overthrew all the Exteriour and the Ceremonies. He was a Native of Noyon, Son of Gerard, who was the Bishops Secretary; A Man very studious, of a sharp and penetrating Wit, a Melancholly and Sickly Temper, an angry and passionate humour, no very smooth Tongue, but an Eloquent and Fluent pen, and who was oft reproached that he coverd a Violent ambition, and extream obstinacy, with the Vaile of great Modesty, and Humility.

[Year of our Lord 1534] He took the first Impression of those new Doctrines when he was Studying the Law at Bourges, from a certain German named Melchior Volmar who taught the Greek Tongue, and was entertained by Margaret Queen of Navarre, Sister of King Francis; A very generous Princess, who having a great love for Learning, had suffered her reason to be prevailed upon by these Broachers of Novelties. It is held that he laid the first foundation of his Sect at Poitiers, and there instituted the form of the Lords Supper or Mand••cation, that from thence he sent three of his Companions into divers Parts to sow his Dogmatisms, and that himself retired to Nerac to Gerard de Roussel, and James le Feure of Estaples, who were there sheltred under the protection of Queen Margaret, and had already establisht secretly in that little Court, a form of a Church almost the same as he intended to bring forth into the World.

He stayed but a few Months at Nerac, and passed into Italy to see Renee de France Dutchess of Ferrara, who was imbued with the same opinions as Margaret. Then when Geneva had expell'd her Bishop and the Catholick Religion, he there establish∣ed the Seat of his residence; And from thence he sent his Disciples to Preach his Do∣ctrine over all France and the Low-Countries, exposing them to all sorts of dangers and deaths, which he kept himself far enough off from the fire of Persecution, and hazard∣ed nothing but his Paper and Ink.

This same year 1534. and the following was acted that Bloody and Horrible Trage∣dy of the Anabaptists in the City of Munster. Those Phanaticks thinking to Establish their Whimseys by subverting the Lawful Power, had chosen for their King a Taylor named John of Leyden. Their Bishop besieged them, and reduced them to extremity of Famine, But whilst they resolved obstinately to Perish, rather then yield, he was let into the Town by one of that Mock-Monarchs Camerades, took him and the chief Mi∣nisters of his fury, and having led them some time about the Neighbouring Countries as objects of Derision, put them to death with exquisite Torments.

[Year of our Lord 1535] About the end of the year 1534. The Sacramentarians published some Libels and posted up Papers against the Divine Mystery of the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. King Francis in the beginning of the Year 1535. for reparation of these Injuries, caused a general Procession to be made at Paris, whereat he assisted with great Devotion holding a Torch in his hand, together with the Queen and his Children, afterwards making diligent search for the Authors of that Scandal, he committed half a dozen to the Flames, who were burnt in several places, but for every one he put to death there sprang up hundreds of others out of their Ashes.

These proceedings could not be pleasing to the Protestant Princes his good Friends. Wherefore the Emperor failed not to stir them up to a resentment against him, to accuse him of Cruelty for burning their Brethren, and impiety since at the same time he thus severely handled those that professed a new Refor∣mation of Christianity, he had Turkish Ambassadors in his Court. And indeed he had much adoe to justifie himself towards them, and in all this whole year could obtain nothing from them.

The Death of Merveille was either a pretence or a real cause for a War a∣gainst Sforza, that he might get footing once more in Milanois: Charles Duke of Savoy denying him passage thorough his Country, drew that Tempest upon his own head, unless it were perhaps the Kings design first to attaque him, for he had many other causes of resentment against him. He complained that Beatrix of Portugal his Wife and Sister to the Emperor, inclined him to consider the Em∣peror his Brother in Law, more then him who was his Nephew; That he had dar'd to take the Investiture of the County of Ast from that Prince, which was the Patrimony of the House of Orleans. That for pledge of his Faith he had given him Lewis Prince of Piedmont his Eldest Son, and in the mean time had refused to accept his Nephew of him, the Order of Saint Michael and an establisht Compa∣ny with Twelve Thousand Crowns Pension; As likewise to let the Pope have the use of the City of Nice for the enterview that was at Marseille; That he had possessed some Lands of the Marquisate of Sallusses which were a Fief mouvant of Daufine; That he refused him the Homage of Foucigny; That he rejoyced in his Letters to the Emperor at his being taken Prisoner at Pavia; That he had lent the Duke of Bourbon Money since his revolt.

But above all these there was the right of Convenience, which led the King to seize upon those Territories to facilitate his Conquest of Milan, and to pre∣vent his exchanging them with the Emperor for others higher up in Italy; For

the Dukes Enemies reported that the bargain was in hand. And therefore he un∣derhand [Year of our Lord 1535] demanded the giving up his Places of Montmeillan, Veilland, Chivas and Vercel, for which he offer'd Lands in France, and to compleat the Marriage of his Daughter Margarite with Lewis Eldest Son of the Duke, accordingly as they had agreed eight years before.

Now though all these were great occasions of Offence to the King, yet he took no other to quarrel with him, but that which he would have taken formerly in the Year 1518. which was that he should do him Justice concerning the Succes∣sion of Louisa his Mother who was Sister of that Duke and the late Philibert his Predecessor. During the Life of that Princess he pursued this business by no o∣ther wayes but by Treaty; and it may well be believed he would have it sleep still, if the reasons we have hinted had not engag'd him to awaken it now a∣gain.

He therefore sent William Poyet President of the Parliament of Paris, to the Duke to make his demand for a free Passage and his Rights. As for the Passage, the Duke, at lest in outward appearance, shewed himself very ready to grant it, and to furnish him with Provisions paying for them; And for the other point, he proffer'd to make an amicable Agreement, and to leave the Kings and his own Pretensions to Arbitrators. Which the King taking for a denyal declared War against him in the Month of February of the year 1535.

He had already begun to make him feel his Indignation, by giving Orders un∣derhand to the Officers and Magistrates of Daufine, to make Incursions upon his Countries, by obliging the Holy Father to Suppress the Bishoprick of Bourg which had been newly Established in his Favour, and by assisting those of Geneva against him. The Inhabitants of that City pretending to hold of the Empire, had a long time sought to free themselves from the Jurisdiction of the Bishop; and for this purpose had twice or thrice helped themselves by the Protection of the Cantons of Bearne, and Friburgh, who had made them their fellow Citizens. In fine they absolutely Revolted, and Expell'd their Bishop; his name was Peter de la Baulme.

The Duke having besieged them, the King sent several small Supplyes, but who were all defeated: and yet the apprehension he had of the Beranois made him raise the Siege. Immediately the City, chiefly at the Instigation of two Sacramen∣tarian Ministers, i. e. Farel and Viret, changed their Religion and Government, and put themselves into the same State almost as they remain in to this day. The Bishop transported his See to Anecy.

After these Flashes of Lightning the mighty Thunder-clap broke forth: The Admirable Brion entered his Countries with the Army raised to fall upon Milan. At the very report and Noise of his March all the Places of Bress, and those of Sa∣voy on this side Mount Cenis, opened their Gates to the French without any op∣position. The Duke was wholly un-provided of Forces; he could do no other till the return of the Emperor but only temporise, and in the mean time defend himself by Submissions and Respects, which are but feeble Arms against a Potent and an Angry Prince, when he intends to make Advantage of his Wrath.

[Year of our Lord 1535] The eight of July of this year 1535. Anthony Duprat Cardinal Arch-Bishop of Lens Legate in France, and Chancellour, died in his Castle of Nantouillet; Much Tormented with Remorse of Conscience, as his Sighs and Speeches made manifest, for having observed no other Guide or Law (he that was himself so great a Lawyer) but his own Interest and the Passion of his Soveraign. It was he that took away the Ele∣ctions to Benefices, and the Priviledges of many Churches, that Introduced the Sale of Offices in Courts of Judicature, that taught them boldly to lay all sorts of Impositions in France, that divided and distinguished the Kings Interest from the good of the Sub∣jects, and who Establisht this Maxime so false and so contrary to Natural Liberty: Qu'il nest point de terre Sans Seigneur, i. e. That there is no Land, without its Lord. The Office of Chancellour was given to Antony du Bourg, who was likewise a Native of Auvergne and President in Parliament.

As to the Emperor, he having foreseen that Clouds and Storms were gather∣ing together from all Quarters against him by the King, the King of England, the Princes of Italy, and those of Germany, that he might have some pretence to Arm himself Powerfully, he gave out that he was going to make War upon the Famous

[Year of our Lord 1535] Chairadin Surnamed Barbarossa, who Infested all the Coasts of his Kingdoms of Naples and Sicilia.

That Pyrate was a Native of Metelin, he had a Brother named Horue, their Father a Christian Renegade and Poor. From their Youth these two Bothers had used Piracy, having but one Brigantine between them both, then Increasing in Vessels, in Men and Money, they passed into Mauritania, where engaging them∣selves in a War that was made betwixt two Brothers for the Kingdom of Algiers, under pretence of Assisting the one, they made themselves Masters of both the City and Country. Horue being the Eldest bore the Title of King, and Conquer∣ed Circella and Bugia likewise, and Dispossessed the King of Tremisen: but in the conclusion he was Vanquished, and Slain in the Rout by the People of that Country, joyned with the Spaniards with whom that King was allied.

Chairadin Barbarossa his Brother Succeeded him, and became very formidable in the Levant Seas, in-so-much that Sultan Solyman gave him the Command of his Naval Forces. There were two Brothers at Tunis Sons of King Mahomet who disputed for the Crown, Araxide and Muley-Assan, this last although the youn∣ger had taken the Scepter by his Fathers appointment: the other to avoid his Cruelty, fled to Constantinople and Implored the Protection of the Grand Seig∣nor. Barbarossa taking advantage of this occasion, appears before Tunis, pre∣tending he had brought him back to restore him, though, indeed, he left him in Prison at Constantinople. By this wile he so deceived the People that he was re∣ceived into the City and drove Muley-Assan thence. This man had recourse to the protection of Charles V. who undertook to re-establish him.

Charles landed therefore in Africk with an Army of above Fifty Thousand Men, took the Fort of Goletta which he kept for himself, setled Muley-Assan in Tunis, beat Barbarossa at Land, gave him chace by Sea, and delivered Twenty Thou∣sand Christian Slaves; then upon the fourteenth of August he Weighed Anchor and set Sail for Sicily, where in few days he Arrived. Having so journed there neer three Months, he passed to Naples about the end of November.

[Year of our Lord 1536] From thence he wrote to his Brother-in-Law the Duke of Savoy, to comfort him for the losses he had sustained by the French, and of his eldest Son Lewis, who died in Spain. These words were but a weak support against those evils which encreased upon him every day. For the Bernois having declared War in January 1536. drove out the Bishop of Lausanne, Seized upon that City, the Country of Vund, Gex, Genevois and Chablais, as far as the Drance, the Valesans on their side Invaded the rest of Chablais from that River all above; Those of Friburgh got Possession of the County of Romont; and the French Army Marched at the same time to enter into Piedmont. John de Medequin Captain of the Castle of Muz afterwards Marquess of Marignan, and some other of the Emperors Com∣manders whom the Duke had sent to Guard the Pass of Suze came there too late. Antonio de Leva having visited Turin and found it was not yet Tenable, was not of opinion that the Duke should venture to wait for the French there. He went out therefore on the twenty seventh of March with his Wife and his Son, and ha∣ving Embarqued his richest Goods and Artillery ••n the Po, retired to Vercel; Turin Surrendred the third of April.

Whilst the Emperor was yet in Sicily, he had News of the death of Duke Francis Sforza, which hap'ned in the Month of October, not leaving any Chil∣dren by his Wife, who was the Daughter of Elizabeth his Sister and Christierne* 1.172 II. King of Denmark. Now the Dutchy of Milan being under the Power of the Emperor, knowing the great Passion the King had for so excellent a Dutchy he made use of it as a Lure, to amuse, and lead him in a Slip, if we may so ex∣press it, all the rest of his Life.

Gravelle his Chancellour had told Vely the Kings Ambassadour, that his Master would not dispose of that Dutchy till he had received Information from him, how he intended to demean himself in these three particulars; the first was in the War against the Turk, the second the reduction of all the Christian Princes to the Catholick Religion, and the third the setling of a Firm Peace throughout all Christendom. He added that the Emperors desire was rather to bestow that Dut∣chy upon the Kings third, then upon his second Son, and demanded that the second might accompany him to the Siege of Algiers.

These two last Conditions did not please the King; Upon the other three Heads, he made such Replies as ought to have Satisfied the Emperor. He de∣manded the Dutchy for Henry Duke of Orleans his second Son, and offer'd to give

four hundred thousand Crowns of Gold for the Investiture. On this Foot he [Year of our Lord 1536] sent to Vely that he should press the Emperors Resolution: But that Prince gave only general Words, and in the mean time put his Affairs in good Order, for he made the Marriage between his Bastard and Alexander de Medicis who was one likewise, and Confirmed him in the Government of Florence; He made a new Confederation with the Venetians, induced thereto by the Fame of his Victories in Africa, and by the perswasions of the Duke of Ʋrbin General of their Armies. He sent to his Sister Mary Widow, Queen of Hungary, to whom he had given the Government of the Low-Countries after the death of Margaret Widow of Savoy his Aunt, as likewise to those with whom he had left that of Spain, to make the greatest Levys of Men and Moneys they possibly could: and himself on his part labour'd to get store of Money in Sicily and Naples, and to encrease those Forces he brought out of Africa.

Now with promising hopes he led on Vely and the Kings Envoys even to Rome. In the Month of April he made his Triumphant entrance, and Sojourned there thirteen days. There it was they Discovered his ill intentions and inclinations towards the King, for after the Pope and he had conferred together about their Affairs, he prayed him to Assemble his Cardinals, and before them with Hat in hand, he made a long harangue full of Invectives, Complaints, and Menaces a∣gainst King Francis; and would needs give them an account of all Transactions between them from the time of Lewis XII. he accused him of having ever broke the Peace, failed in his word, disturbed Italy and Germany, and unjustly dispossest the Duke of Savoy. He concluded by saying, That of three things the King must chuse one; Either to take the Dutchy of Milan for his third Son upon certain conditions, whereof one was, that he should restore the Duke of Savoy to his Lands; or to accept of a Single combat between them Personally with what ever Weapons he pleased, upon some Bridge, in an Island, or a Boat, upon condition that the Victor should employ his Forces according to the ap∣pointment of his Holiness, to reduce the Heretiques and oppose the Infidels: Or to resolve upon a War that should be so Bloody as to ruin one of the two.

The King slighted these proud boasts, but replied to the Accusations by an Apologetique Letter which he addressed to the Pope and Cardinals, and which in very modest terms, but very Pithy and Energetical, cleerly satisfied every point the Emperor had touched upon, and retorted all the blame upon himself.

In the interim divers overtures were made between the Pope, the Emperor and the Ambassadors, to prevent these two Princes from coming to an absolute rup∣ture. The Admiral de Brion had conquer'd all Piedmont to the Douere, and found himself in a posture and condition to have conquer'd all the rest, for they were terrified, and Antonio de Leva who had taken the field and joyned the Duke at Vercel, had not as yet got all his Forces ready. Notwithstanding the King upon what Vely wrote to him, that the Emperor (this was before his Harangue) had given him notice by Gravelle he would give up Milan to his second Son, sent the Cardinal of Lorraine into Italy to conclude that business which he presumed was in much forwardness.

The Cardinal left order in the name of the King that Brion should not pass the Douere, and also promised Antonio de Leva that he should not pass the Sesia; and though he was informed by Veley, whom he met at Sienna, whither he followed the Emperor, of what had fallen out since at Rome, he forbore not, being a con∣fident man, and one that thought nothing difficult, to speak again of it to the Emperor, and to put him in mind of his former promise. The Emperor owned that he had given his word for it, but that the King having continued to pro∣secute his War against the Duke of Savoy, he was no longer obliged to per∣form it.

After this reply the Cardinal sent the King word he ought to provide well for his own defence: Nevertheless the Pope who ardently desired to reconcile the two Kings, would not give over, but represented to each of them the Strength of the other much greater then indeed they were, thereby to incline them to a Peace. Wherefore the King not willing to begin the Rupture, commanded Brion to undertake nothing, but withdraw his Forces into Daufiné, after he had well provided and Garrisoned the Places, unless Antonio de Leva did pass over the Sesia.

On the contrary the Emperor not only prepared himself for War, but like∣wise endeavoured to stir up all the World against Francis. He dispatched an

[Year of our Lord 1536] Envoy into England to desire the Amity of King Henry, and protest that all his resentment was buried in Queen Catherines Grave, who died this year in the Month of January. And although Henry had answered but very coldly, he not∣withstanding promised himself and grounded his hopes upon the inconstancy of his humour, that if he once saw France invaded he would not forbear attempting somewhat upon the score of his ancient pretensions.

He had likewise made use of all sorts of Calumnies and false reports concern∣ing the Germans, to render the King very Odious. He made them believe they were mortally hated in France, that they were persecuted, that they burnt them alive, and that the King not only endeavoured to kindle Discords amongst them, that so whilst they were grappling and pulling one another by the Ears, Soly∣man his faithful allie might Invade the Empire of Germany: But that he like∣wise maintained* 1.173 Rascals hired on purpose to set Fire on their Borroughs and Towns.

In effect this year there were a sort of People, not known by whom, nor for what they were set on, who burnt several, as well in France as Germany, and especially the City of Troyes. William du Bellay-Langey a man of Quality and a good Souldier, but whose Eloquence did much greater service then his Valour, composed an excellent Treatise in Latin and High-Dutch, which was scattered over all those Countries; and as well by that means as by the testimony of Dutch Merchants, who affirmed they had been kindly used in France, he disabused them, but not without much ado.

After the Emperor at the head of two great Armies had made Solyman first retire, and then forced Barbarossa to fly, he breathed nothing but War. His Flatterers, who corrupt the minds of the wisest Princes by their excessive praise, promised him no less then the Empire of all Europe, the Poets and Panegyrists assured him of it, and the Diviners and Astrologers, no less confident or impu∣dent in their Lying Prognosticks, had so boldly foretold it should certainly come to pass, that it had made Impression in feeble minds, and Credulous Spirits.

Amongst whom the Marquess de Salusses was one, who thinking to prevent destiny, that the Emperor might seem to be obliged to him for doing that Vo∣luntarily which he fancied necessity must at last bring him to, went over secretly into his service: But being as Treacherous as Shallow-brain'd, he remained yet a while amongst the French to ruin their Affairs. Some have said, that the hopes they gave him, that the Emperor would adjudge the Marquissat of Montferrat to be his, which was Litispendente between him, the Duke of Savoy, and the Duke of Mantoua, tempted him to that Infamous baseness.

The Duke of Savoy expected that the Emperor would employ his Forces to re∣store him; and he already began to think his Affairs seemed to mend. For John de Medequin Marquess de Merignan, and Antonio de Leva, besieged Turin, and the King had sent to his Generals to abandon all their Conquests in those Coun∣tries, excepting Turin, Fossan and Cony. It was ordered in a Council of War that Fossan should be Fortified. The Marquess de Salusses who had the charge of it, far from hastning the work, retarded it all he could. He diverted the Pioneers, Provisions, Powder and Ball; Then when he perceived his Treason began to be discover'd, he retired to his Castle of Ravel, fathering his retreat upon the disobe∣dience of the French Officers.

From thence he gave Intelligence of the poor condition of the place to Anto∣nio de Leva, who leaving Ten Thousand Foot and some Horse before Turin, un∣der the Command of James de Scaleng, came and laid Siege to it; and yet the purchase came not so cheap as he imagin'd, for after he had to his own cost try'd the Valour of the besieged, he agreed they should hold the place a Month, at the end whereof they were to Surrender if not relieved.

In expectation of the day for this Surrender Leva would needs try, but in vain, to attempt Roques-Parvieres, & Chasteau-daufin. Some dayes before this the Emperor Arrived at Savillan, where the Marquess having quite thrown off his Masque, went and waited upon him; he made him his Lieutenant on the other side the Moun∣tains.

There it was that the Emperor, of his own head, and contrary to the Advice of his Eldest Officers, amongst others Antonio de Leva, who fell down upon his knees before him to disswade him from it, resolved to enter into Provence. He had little less then Ten Thousand Horse, and above Forty Thousand Foot of the

best Soldiers of those times. The Five and Twentieth of July the Feast of Saint [Year of our Lord 1536] James the Apostle Patron of Spain, and the same day of the year whereon he Landed at Tunis, this great Army passed over the River of War which divides France from Savoy, and lodg'd at Saint Laurence's the first Burrough of Pro∣vence. A short while after it was followed by a Fleet commanded by Andreas Do∣ria, which furnished them with Ammunition and Provisions.

The Emperor Vaunted he was the Legitimate Lord of Provence, as well by the Cession he said he had of Charles de Bourbon, as by other Rights and Titles. He thought to find some Correspondents there (at least he pretended he had) the People amazed and surprized, and places so weak, that he should easily make him∣self Master of them, or oblige the King, if he appeared to defend them, to give him battle.

But the King would by no means hazard that in his own Country: he fortified those places which were capable to resist, as Arles, Marseilles, Tarascon, and Beau∣caire, drew the Inhabitants out of those places that were defenceless, as out of Aix and Antibes, caused all things to be spoiled thorough the whole Country, burnt the Mills, beat down the Ovens and spoiled the Corn, Wine, and such Forrage as they could not carry off.

That done, he divided his Army in two Bodies; The one he lodged within a Camp well intrenched, and which within Fifteen dayes was made defensible. The Scituation was chosen near Cavaillon in a large Meadow between the Rhosne and the Durance, and the general Command thereof he gave to the Mareschal de Montmorency. With the other Body himself lodged at Valence above Avignon, to second the first, and give a second Battle, if there were occasion.

After the Emperor had sacked the City of Aix, it was in his Council resolved to Attaque Marseille. The Siege was begun the Twenty Fifth of August. His Van-guard Marching thither met near Brignoles a Party of Five or Six Hundred Men, who m Montejan and Boissy Knights of the Order had caused to advance somewhat too desperately, thinking to surprize the Enemy. They were all cut off and their two Chiefs made Prisoners. This was all the exploits that vast Army did, excepting the forcing a few Countrey Fellows in a Tower, who were hanged.

The News of this Accident carried to the King at Valence, was followed with another which was worse, I mean the loss of Guise, of which we shall soon make mention: but the sorrow both for the one and the other was Stiffled by a third incomparably more sensible; which was the death of Francis his Eldest Son, a brave and generous Prince Nineteen Years of Age, who falling sick at Valence, and yet making them Convey him by Water to his Father, died at Tournon the 12th day of August.

The Count Sebastian de Montecuculy a Ferrarese was accused for having given him Poison in a Cup of fresh-water as he was playing at Tennis in Valence. This Italian being taken upon suspition and put to the wrack confest the Crime, and declared, whether convinced by his Conscience, or forced by the extremity of Torture, that Antonio de Leva and Ferdinand de Gonzague had wrought upon him to commit it, not without reflection upon the Emperor himself indirectly: but the Imperialists with great indignation retorted this, so base an action, upon Catherine de Medicis, saying she would needs have this Eldest Son to be removed out of the World before her Husband that she might be Queen of France. How∣ever it were, the King being at Lyons caused Process to be made against Monte∣cuculi, who was drawn in pieces by four wild Horses. Henry his second Son took the Title of Daufin, and left that of Duke of Orleans to his other Brother Charles who before was Duke of Angoulesme.

There were Seven Thousand Men in Marseilles, and thirteen Galleys in that Port, who made the Emperor sensible upon two or three Attempts, that there was nothing to be expected but blows. In like manner Arles was found to be well Fortified in those places where his Maps had represented it weakest. Mean while Provisions failed him, the Peasants and Mountainiers, fell upon all such as stray'd never so little from the Camp, the King sent out Parties that cut off their Forrage, and took those Convoys of bread and biscuit which they sent him from Toulon, his Germans surfeited and burst themselves with Grapes and other Fruits: so that want, turmoiles, and sickness diminished them above one third in a Months time, and laid Antonio de Leva, the bravest Commander they had, in his Grave, who died languishing thorough Grief. On the contrary the Kings

[Year of our Lord 1536] encreased every day, there being come to him above Twenty Thousand Swiss and Six Thousand Germans.

At the same time that he entred into Provence, the Count de Nassaw entred Pi∣cardy with an Army of Thirty Thousand Men. The City of Guise was carried by Assault, the Castle that might have held, tamely Surrendred, for which the Commanders were branded with infamy. But Peronne besieged the Tenth of August, maintained very furious Assaults and dreadful Batteries, by the Valour of the Mareschal de Florenges, the Count de Dammartin, and a great number of the Neighbouring Gentry. When it was ready to fall, the Duke of Guise suppli∣ed them with Men, and Ammunition which he convey'd to them over the Mar∣shes. After this the Besiegers having again made two Furious Assaults, in which they left their Scaling Ladders and a great many of their bravest Men in the Ditches, retired the Tenth day of September, which was the very same, or the next day after the Emperor pack'd up his Bag and Baggage and marched out of Provence.

The Siege of Peronne, the taking whereof seemed near at hand, did strangely Allarme the Bourgeois of Paris. The great care, and courage of the Cardinal du Bellay their Bishop, and to whom the King had given the Title of Lieutenant-General of their City and the Isle of France, dispell'd the apprehensions they had both of the Enemies and a Famine: For he caused all the Corn and Wine within Six Leagues round to be brought thither, which so stored them that they had plenty sufficient to furnish that vast multitude, and above Thirty Thousand Sol∣diers [☞] for a whole Year together. Which demonstrates that Paris, if not surpriz∣ed, is not so easily famished as some might Imagine. In retribution the Parisians proffer'd him a store of Brass Guns, and to maintain Ten Thousand Soldiers as long as the Enemies remained upon the Frontiers.

Never was there a more Melancholly Spectacle then the retreat of the Empe∣rors Army, miserably shatter'd without being able to come to any Battle. The Roads from Aix even to Frejus were all strewed with Armes, Horses, Baggage, dead Corps, and men dying, Montmorency was mightily blamed for not pursu∣ing them. Those that excuse him say, that at that very juncture the King re∣ceived news of the extream danger Peronne was in, which obliged him to draw out a great part of his Forces to go and Succour them. However Four or Five days after he had Information that the Enemies were returning into Flanders, and the thing being taken into deliberation the second time, the Emperor making some days stay at Frejus, it was concluded to be the safer and more prudent me∣thod, not to force the Lyon that was running off to turn head, and make them feel the effects of desperation.

His retreat over the Alpes was difficult and Bloody, the Daufins Light Horse harcelling him perpetually in his March. He at length Arrived at Genoa the se∣cond of October, and his Army passed thence into Milanois commanded by the Marquess du Guast. Governor of those Countries; who en passant put Garri∣sons into the rest of the places belonging to the Duke of Savoy. Thus that un∣fortunate Prince saw his Estates shared betwixt his Enemy and his Friend, having scarce any thing left for himself but the City and Castle of Nice where he made his residence.

After the Emperor had remained at Genoa about Fifteen dayes, he went on Board his Galleys the Eighteenth of November and sailed towards Spain. He was no more fortunate at Sea, then he had been on Land; a furious Tempest over∣took his Fleet, and sunk Six of his Galleys and a couple of great Ships, the one carrying his Plate, the other his Horses: after all which, without doubt, he was fitter for Consolations, then Panegyricks.

The fear they had conceived in Italy, left he should Conquer France, had as soon as he was gone, armed several petty Princes and Lords, whom the great States, that durst not openly declare, maintained and encouraged under∣hand.

The King gave them Guy Count de Rangon to be their General; their place of Rendezvous was Mirandola. They set ten thousand men on Foot, with whom they attempted Genoa: a Supply of Eight Hundred Arriving during the time of their Assault made the business miscarry. As they were marching towards Ast the Spaniards raised the Siege of Turin, and suffer'd them to take Carignian, Raconis, Carmagnola, and most of the Marquisate of Salusses.

[Year of our Lord 1537] On the other hand the Count de Saint Pol with Six Thousand Lansquenets whom the King drew out of his Army, ruined the Country of Tarentaise, and regained Chamberry which the Inhabitants of that Valley had surprized: but Burie whom the King had made Governor beyond the Mountains in place of Brion, was hemm'd in and taken with Twelve Hundred men, by the Marquess du Guast, in Casal which he had just surprized. Humieres was sent to Command in his stead with a Re-inforcement of ten thousand Lansquenets, of whom Christopher Duke of Wirtemberg was General.

Upon the noise that the Emperor was going to swallow up all France, James King of Scotland remembring the ancient Alliances of his Nation and Predeces∣sors, took Shiping with Sixteen Thousand men to come to his Assistance with∣out the least Intreaty; The Wind beat him back three several times to his own Coasts: At length he got with some Vessels to Diepe, from whence he rode post to the King, but met him on this side Lyons upon his return. In acknowledg∣ment of this so kind, and nobly free, assistance, the King could not refuse him Magdelin his Eldest Daughter; though that Prince had before betroathed a Daugh∣ter of the Duke of Vendosmes.

The Nuptials were celebrated at Paris the first day of the Year 1537. but she Died of a Hectick Feaver within the same year, and James Married Mary Daugh∣ter of Claude Duke of Guife, and Widow of Lewis Duke of Longueville. The King of England did not much like this double lincking himself to France by two such Matches: which was one of the main causes that made him fall off from King Francis, and close again with the Emperor the more easily, for that Cathe∣rine of Arragon his repudiated Wife was dead, and he had caused Anne Bullen to be Beheaded, on the Green within the Tower for Adultery, whether true, or supposed.

Perhaps too he would have made him feel the Resentments of his Anger at that very time, had he not been involved in troubles at home, for some Nobles and some English Prelates, prompted with Zeal to prevent a Schisme, and withal ap∣prehending some danger to their own Persons, after the example of his Chancel∣lour Sir Thomas Moor, and John Fisher Bishop of Rochester whose Heads he had un∣justly brought to the block; had made a Holy League and taken up Arms against him. And although he had dispersed their Forces or sent them home again by granting them conditions of advantage: nevertheless he feared they might break out afresh, and therefore was contriving underhand to surprise their Chiefs; who had just cause to repent, as it most frequently happens upon the like occasions, to men who dare not rather resolve to die with their Sword in hand.

There was so little Rain and such great heats during the whole Spring and Summer of the Year 1536. that it begot a prodigious drowth; most of the Wells and Springs were dried up, the Marshes and Ponds quite parched, and the waters of most great Rivers grown so shallow and weak as scarce able to drag along their Languishing Streams, being generally foordable in all places, and in many passable dry-foot.

The Kings Councel thought it necessary to do something that might pull down the Emperors Vanity, and withal shew the Injustice and the Nullity of the Trea∣ties of Madrid and Cambray. To this purpose the King sitting in his Seat of Ju∣stice in Parliament the Nineteenth of January, attended by the Princes and Pairs, after his having heard James Capel Attorney-General, who made it appear that the Provinces belonging to the Crown were Inalienable, that he could not give away the Soveraignty of Flanders and Artois, and that Charles of Austria (they gave him only that Name) being still a Vassal to the King for those Counties and for Charlois, had committed the Crime of Felony: It was Ordained, That he should be Summoned by a single Edict peremptory and once for all, at the nearest place of safe access, to answer the Attorney General upon his Conclusions, of the Forfeit, Rever∣sion, and Re-union of those three Counties; and in the mean time, the King declared all the Vassals in those Countries acquit and discharged from their Oathes to him, from all Faith and Homage and enjoyned them to serve the King upon the Penalty of Forfeiture of their Fiefs, and to be Proclaimed Rebels, whereof publication to be made upon the Frontiers.

The Heraulds went therefore to Summon Charles by posting up Papers and making Proclamation. He replied fuming with rage, that since they recalled him into France he would return thither with such powerful Justifications as would

[Year of our Lord 1537] make the Treaties to be duely observed; and in the mean while for Comparition, Adrian de Crouy Count de Roeux, having drawn together the Commons of the Low-Countries, came and ransacked the Frontiers of Picardy.

This proceeding of the Kings was variously spoken of; but none could ap∣prove of the Alliance he made with Solyman the Enemy of Christendom, as well to defend himself against the Emperor, as in hatred to the Venetians, with whom he was extreamly offended, for having despised his Amity and the offer he made to share Milanois with them.

One might nevertheless in some Measure excuse this League of a Christian King with an Infidel, not only by the example of the Kings of Spain Grand-Fathers of this Emperor, who had contracted the like with Mahometan Kings, but even by that of the Emperor himself, who had endeavour'd earnestly to do the same with Solyman; so that he was no less guilty in that particular, but less prevalent or skilful, or less fortunate then Francis.

The Kings attempts did not answer this grand Arrest, or Decree, of his Par∣liament. He took only Hesdin and Saint Paul, and having spent his first Fire, re∣turned in the beginning of May to Paris, leaving his Army with the Count de Saint Paul, and order to Fortifie the City of the same name, where they put three Thousand Men in Garrison.

So soon as he was retired the Enemies being Assembled, forced that City, and received that of Monstreuil upon Composition: but they could gain nothing at Terouenne, the Dauphin and Montmorency having got their Troops together time∣ly enough to Relieve it, as they did. During this Siege, a Conference was held at the Village of Bommy, at the solicitation of the two Queens Eleonora of France and Mary of Hungary, where the Deputies agreed upon a Cessation of all hostili∣ties for three Months in the Low-Countries, that they might endeavour to bring about a Peace.

Some believed the King accepted of it to Transport all his Forces into Italy, pursuant to the Treaty made with the Turks, who at the same time were to fall upon the Kingdom of Naples. In effect the Emperor Solyman did himself lead an Army of One Hundred Thousand Men into Albania, from whence he sent Lusti-Bacha and Barbarossa to Cruise upon those Coasts, and discover the Coun∣try, resolved to follow them as soon as they had gained any Port: but when he found that the King was making War in Flanders, he returned with great In∣dignation that he should break his word with him.

As for Barbarossa, having no certain News of the King, he was fallen upon the Island of Corfu belonging to the Venetians, where finding the Places too well provided, he ruined the open Country and carried Sixteen Thousand Souls in∣to Captivity. The same Summer King Ferdinand received two great Foiles by the Turks, the one at Belgrade in Hungary, the other before a City in Dalma∣tia, where his two Armies besieging those two places were shamefully defeat∣ed.

In the Interim it hapned in Piedmont, as well by the little esteem the Soldiers had of Humieres, as the particular quarrels amongst the other Officers, and the Mutinies of the Lansquenets, the French Forces were dissipated: Humieres was retired into Pignerol to wait for Supplies from France, and had quitted the Field to Du Guast, who had retaken several Towns, and almost the whole Country of Salusses. The Marquess whom we told you had so unworthily forsaken the French Party, was kill'd with a Cannon Bullet at the Siege of Carmagnoles. His death so enflamed the fury of the Soldiers that they forced the Place; and Du Guast to revenge his death hanged the Captain.

The Love of Liberty, could not be so soon effaced out of the hearts of the Floren∣tines. One that was of Kin to the new Duke Alexander, named Laurence de Me∣dicis, slew him in his own Chamber whither he had allured him with the hopes of meeting a certain Lady for whom he had a great passion: but flying as soon as the blow was gi∣ven, the Cardinal Innocent Cibo Son of a Sister to Leo X. who was then at Flo∣rence, and Alexander Vitelli Captain of the City Guards, set up a young man of the House of the Medicis in the place of Alexander, where he maintain'd himself in spite of Strossy and other Zealots for their Liberties. His name was Cosmo, and descend∣ed of one Laurent Brother of the Grand Cosmo. To gain the People he promised them at first that he would have from the City but Twelve Thousand Crowns for his Main∣tenance: but when he was well establisht he raised it to Twelve Hundred Thousand. As

for Laurence de Medicis, after he had wandred in divers places, because Cosmo had [Year of our Lord 1537] set a price upon his head, he was at last stabbed at Venice by two Assasins.

Christierne III. King of Denmark introduced Lutheranisme into his Kingdom, and turned out the Bishops, but kept the Canons that he might have the bestowing of Prebends. He did the same in Norway which he had Conquer'd. Some years before King Gustavus Erecson had made a like change in Sweden.

The King being informed that his Affairs went on very ill in those Countries, that du Guast besieged Humieres in Pignerol, and that before the years end he would drive the French quite out of Piedmont, resolved to prevent it, and in some measure satisfie Solyman, to go thither in Person. At Lyons being fallen sick of a slight Feaver, he gave order to the Daufin and to the Mareschal de Montmorency to march before-hand with the Army. At first coming they forced the Pass of Sufa guarded by ten thousand men, a famous exploit in War, drove Du Guast to Quiers, and got several advantages which drew the King himself thi∣ther, with great hopes of recovering Milanois.

His Army was found to be above Forty Thousand Men, the French were in good Heart, the Enemy affrighted, and their Places ill provided: but it was the end of October, he apprehended the inconveniences of the Season, the length of some Siege, the Irruption of the Flemmings, and the uncertainty of accidents so fatally experimented before Pavia. So that making a specious pretence of the having given his word to the Queen of Hungary that he would not do any thing that should obstruct the Peace, he upon the mediation of the Pope and the Vene∣tians granted a Truce of three Months for those Countries beyond the Moun∣tains, and prolonged that with the Low-Countries for the like time. This was Proclaimed at Carmagnoles he present, the Eight and Twentieth of November. Both Princes got by it, to the loss of the unfortunate Duke of Savoy, because ei∣ther of them remained in Possession of what they were seized on. The King made Montejan his Lieutenant-General in that Country, and William du Bellay Go∣vernor at Turin.

[Year of our Lord 1538] When he was come back into France, he honoured Montmorency who was a Mareschal and Grand-Maistre, with the Constables Sword the Tenth of February. He also raised Annebaut and Montejan, to the Offices of Mareschals of France which were vacant, the one by the promotion of Montmorency to that of Con∣stable, the other by the death of the Mareschal de Florenges who ended his days soon after the Siege of Saint Quentin. These Offices were limited to the number of four only, which the Kingdom encreasing, have likewise been encreased to three or four times as many.

The same year the Chancellor Anne du Bourg lost his life by a strange accident. Being with the King who made his Entrance into Laon, there was so great a croud of Horses, that he was thrust off from his Mule, and trod under foot, where∣of he died. His Office was given to Charles Poyet Son of an Advocate of Angiers, and then a President in Parliament.

There was a second Conference at Locate to Treat of a final Peace. The De∣puties could agree to nothing but a prolongation of the Truce for six Months: but the Pope who ardently desired to reconcile the two Princes, fearing left their Division should hinder the effects of a great League, which he, the Em∣peror, and the Venetians had concluded at the beginning of the Year against the Turks, dispatched two Legates to them, and sollicited them so earnestly, that both of them resolved to meet at Nice, and to accept of those Offices of Mediation which he proferr'd.

He came the first thither about the end of May, the Emperor almost at the same time to the Port of Villa-Franca, and Francis with the Queen his Wife to Villa-Nuova some days after. The Duke found himself mightily perplex'd, the Pope desired to Lodge in the Castle, and that the Garrison might be drawn out, the Emperor would have had it so: but the King advised the Duke under∣hand to beware of it, for that he would else disoblige him. He followed the Kings Counsel, and went to visit him the third day of the Month, the Emperor took some jealousie upon it: and yet for fear of loosing him, Treated him the better in all appearance.

The Pope therefore Lodged in the Town, the Emperor held Conference with him in a Tent under the Castle, the King saluted him apart, but the Princes saw not each other. Was it that the Pope desiring to treat under Hatches the

[Year of our Lord 1538] Marriage of his Nephew Octavian Farnese with Margaret the Emperors Bastard, and that of his Niece Victoria with Anthony Eldest Son of Charles Duke of Ven∣dosme, kept them thus assunder, fearing lest the one should discover what he was negotiating with the other, or else perhaps it was that the Emperor appre∣hending if he saw the King he must be obliged to promise him in express words the Dutchy of Milan, and the Pope knowing it might possibly let the King under∣stand it was only to amuse him. What ever it were, this Conference produced nothing but a prolongation of the Truce for Nine years: but the Emperor pro∣mised the King to see him at Aigues-Mortes in Languedoc before he returned to Spain.

It was Queen Eleonora who procured this Enter-view. The Emperor came and Dined in the Kings-House, the next day the King went to Visit the Emperor in his Galley where he was entertained in like manner. The subject of their enter∣tainment was not known: but they were observed to embrace so closely, and shew such Signes of Amity for two dayes they were together, that the most sharp-sight∣ed were deceived, and imagined it was in good earnest.

Three Months after the King was grievously Tormented with a troublesome Ulcer, which hapned in that part the Physicians name the Sutura, or Seame be∣tween the Testicles. This, they said, was the effect of some ill adventure he had with the beautiful Ferronniere one of his Mistresses. This Womans Husband en∣rag'd at that abuse which the Courtiers reckon only a piece of Gallantry, con∣trives to go to some leud place and Infect himself, that he might spoil her and Con∣vey his revenge thus to his Rival. The unhappy Woman died, the Husband re∣cover'd by timely Remedies, the King had all the bad Symptomes, and his Phy∣sicians treating him rather according to his Quality then his Distemper, he had some Relicks remaining upon him all his Life, the Malignity whereof did much discompose the sweetness of his disposition, and made him Melancholy, suspicious and hard to be pleased; but to say truth, more exact, sparing, and sticking closer to his business.

[Year of our Lord 1539] The remainder of this Year he made several excellent Edicts, amongst others, That the Curates should keep a Register of all Christnings, and that hereafter all Decrees and other Acts of Justice, should be no more drawn up in Latine, but in French.

If the Emperor continued to heap his marks of Affection on the King, it was but to hinder him from embracing the Protection of the Ghentois. They were revolted because of some new Imposts which Queen Mary Governess of the Low-Countries had laid upon them, particularly upon Wines, and had Massacred some of her Officers; after which expecting no pardon, they went on to that Degree, that this Year they sent Deputies to the King to Intreat he would receive them as their Soveraign Lord; and they promised, provided only that he would own them, to hazard Fifty Thousand Men in Battle against the Emperor. But this same King that had with so great formality newly confiscated Flanders and Artois, not on∣ly accepted not of their submission for fear of violating the Truce, but also by an excess of generosity gave the Emperor notice of it.

The Rebellion growing in strength day by day, it was to be apprehended that all Flanders would follow the example of Ghent, and that the King of England might accept what the French had refused. Nothing but the presence of the Em∣peror was capable of allaying this furious heat: but the danger was too eminent to pass thorough Germany where it would have been in the power of the Prote∣stant Princes to have stopp'd him; and it was no less to have gone by Sea. He intreated the King therefore to allow him passage thorow France, and to obtain it he began to Lure him with the Dutchy of Milan. In the Council every one was for granting him passage, but not without having a writing under his hand, and good Securities. The Constable de Montmorency, by what motive it is not known, was not of that opinion, and argued that he ought not to be setter'd by any Conditions; This Sentiment appearing full of generosity highly pleased the King, who was the most generous Prince in the World, and it was follow∣ed.

The two Sons of France and the Constable went as far as Bayonne to meet the Emperor, and offer'd to go into Spain as Hostages, which he refused. The King himself, though indisposed, went to Chastelleraud, where they embraced, caused him to be received in every City with the same honour, and suffer'd him

to exercise the same Authority as himself; For he held the Chapter of his Order [Year of our Lord 1539] upon Saint Andrews day at Bourdeaux, he granted Pardons, and emptied the Pri∣sons in many places.

[Year of our Lord 1540] He made his entrance into Paris the first day of January, the Parliament went in a Body to compliment him, the Sheriffs bare the Canopy of State over his head, the two Sons of France being on either side: the Constable marched be∣fore with his Sword drawn in his hand, he released all Prisoners, and the City presented him with a Silver Figure of Hercules as bigg as the Life. At his leaving of Paris the King accompanied him to Saint Quintin, and his two Sons to Valenci∣ennes. He promised to go and visit him in Flanders; and moreover granted him free passage for a Thousand of his Italian Forces which he ordered to come into Flanders, and furnish'd them with Provisions.

The City of Ghent unfortunately abandoned by the King their Soveraign Lord, to the wrath of Charles, was so severely Chastised, that she had reason to re∣pent the having given him birth. His Army being entred as it had been by Assault, he caused Five and Twenty or Thirty of the Principal Burghers to be Executed, proscribed a far greater number, Confiscated all their publick Build∣ings, took away their Artillery, their Arms, and their Priviledges, Condem∣ned them to above Twelve Hundred Thousand Crowns Fine; and that they might never rise again, built a Citadel and left a strong Garrison to awe them, which of the greatest City in Europe hath made a vast Solitude, or Wilder∣ness.

Hitherto the Emperor had amused the King, so that out of the highest com∣plaisance, he remained upon the Frontiers of Picardy whil'st he oppressed the Ghen∣tois; but when he had nothing more to fear, he began to faulter, and apply Con∣ditions and Restrictions to his promise. The King finding he objected some dif∣ficulties on behalf of the Princes of Italy, because in effect they desired a Duke of Milan of their own Nation, consented he should keep that Dutchy, provided he would give the Low-Countries, and the Counties of Burgundy and Charolois in Dow∣er to his Daughter, who should Marry the Duke of Orleans. The Emperor de∣manded that before any thing else were done he should restore the Duke of Savoy to all his Lands, that he should declare himself a Friend to his Friends, and Enemy to his Enemies.

Then the King finding himself deceived, entred into so great suspicion of the sidelity of all those that governed him, that he resolved to get out of their Nets and Snares: and then some who observed him to be of this humour, failed not to give him a secret account of and advice against their proceedings.

The first that Sufferd by it was the Admiral de Brion: Three men had at that time engrossed all the Kings favour, the Constable, the Cardinal de Lorraine, and Brion. The first was so Powerful that all addressed themselves to him, Go∣vernours, Ambassadors, Cities, the Parliament it self who called him Monseig∣neur, i. e. My Lord. The second was beloved by the King for his generosity, and for the credit he had at Rome, he was the only man in France who treated the Constable (from* 1.174 high to low, and) as a great Prince treats a Gentleman: The third had rendred himself very agreeable, and moreover was favoured by the Ladies, particularly by the Dutchess d'Estampes, who put him in a way to have got the Start of both the other in a short time. These, though they hated one another, yet both united to set him beside the Cushion, and contrived a secret Accusation against him for having ill managed the Kings Affairs in Piedmont.

He, instead of justifying himself by humble and submissive Language, spake ar∣rogantly to the King, and said his Innocency feared no examinations, or Scruti∣ny. He therefore sent him Prisoner to the Bois de Vincennes, and appointed four and twenty Commissaries chosen out of several Parliaments to make his process: they set about it at Melan, the Court being at Fountainbleau. The Chancellour Poyet was pleas'd and hugg'd himself at it, and would needs preside out of an interessed complaisance: He chose rather to do mischief then not make himself a necessary instrument. So that he behaved himself more like a party then his Judge, every foot interposing Orders and even threats from the King, to biass and bring the proceedings to what he aimed at. So that Brion, though he were not found guilty but of some small Exactions upon the Fishermens Boats, was degra∣ded of his Offices, and declared unworthy to hold any for the future, condemn∣ed to pay a fine of seventy thousand Crowns, and shut up in the Bastille.

[Year of our Lord 1540] Some months after, the intercession of Anne de Pisselieu Dutchess d'Estampes his near Kinswoman, obtained an Order from the King that his Process should be reviewed by the Parliament of Paris; Who by a Decree of the fourteenth of March 1542. declared him absolv'd of the crimes de peculat, or purloining the Kings Treasure, and exaction, by consequence quit of his Fine, or Amercement: But as his courage was haughty, the affront received* 1.175 stung him so deep, that he was never well afterward, but dyed of grief in the year 1543. Annebaut had his Office of Admiral.

The following year Poyet had his turn, John de Bary la Renaudie a Gentleman of Perigord, had a great process against du Tillet a Clerk of the Parliament: the [Year of our Lord 1541] business had been before several Parliaments: this time la Renaudie demanded an Order of Evocation, to remove it to another Court, the Dutchess d'Estampes pressed the Chancellour to Seal it, and interposed the Kings Authority: but whether he thought it not just, or otherwise, he refused it. The King took it very ill he had not obey'd his Orders, and the Dutchess Animated him so highly and raised so many complaints against him on all hands, that he sent him Prisoner to the Bastille the second day of August, and Ordered that they should make pro∣cess against him.

For this purpose there were taken out of divers Parliaments a certain number of Judges, whom himself approved of: The proceedings very long and often Interrupted lasted till the year 1545. when by Sentence of the three and twen∣tieth of April, he was deprived of the Office of Chancellour; declared disabled of holding any Office Royal, condemned to pay a hundred thousand Livers Fine, and to be confin'd five whole years in such place as it should please the King. The Judgment was pronounced in the Audience of the Grand-Chamber the Doors be∣ing set open, he present and bare-headed. This done he was shut up in the great Tower of Bourges, from whence he could not get out till he had given up almost all he had for his Fine. At last he dyed in the City of Paris, oppressed with poverty, Ignominy, and old Age; So unhappy that even in this his Lamentable condition he was not pittied.

When he was Imprisoned the King gave the Seals to Francis de Montolon President in parliament, a Person of rare probity, a vertue hereditary in his Fa∣mily.

The Constables favour did not last long after the loss of Poyer; the King for∣bid him the Court in the year 1542. and would never recal him so long as he li∣ved. In the time of this his retirement he built the castle of Esc ouan.

Common same attributes the cause of his disgrace to the Council, he gave for the Emperours passing through France, which proved not so much to the Kings advantage as was imagined. Perhaps the Cardinal of Lorrain and the rest of his Enemies made use of that reproach to give his Master an ill opinion of him: Or perhaps the King conceived some jealousie at his sticking so close to the Dausin who by embracing the interests of that young Prince, opposed the raising of the Duke of Orleans, and by secret Combinations, hindred the Emperour from giving him his Daughter with the Dutchy of Milan; which he could not do without holding Correspondence with Strangers: and indeed it was said, that he in Clandestine manner Suffered the Courtiers of that Prince to travel thorough France. Whatever it were, the King began to think it dangerous to have men of too great parts in the Administration of Affairs, and therefore committed them to the Cardinal de Turnon and the Admiral Annebaut, Persons of no Extra∣ordinary Genius or Sagacity, but of affections less Interested and wholly devoted to him.

[Year of our Lord 1540. and 41.] Whilst the Emperor was at Ghent, Martin Duke of Cleve came to demand the investiture of the Dutchy of Guelders. You must know that Charles last Duke of Guelders dyed Anno 1537. and William Duke of Cleve and Antony of Lorraine, as kindred of the Defunct, had pretensions to that Dutchy; The Lorrainer was the nearest, being the Son of a Daughter of that House, notwithstanding the Estates of the Countries called in William to be their Mainburgh, he survived but one year, and Martin his Son took the Administration. Now the Emperour who desired to joyn this piece to the Low-Countries, having denyed him the investiture, he came into France and put himself under the Kings pro∣tection; who made him Marry Jane Daughter of Henry d'Albret King of Navarre.

[Year of our Lord 1541] The Nuptials were celebrated the year following at Chastelleraud, with such Profusion as cost the poor People dear, by encreasing the Gabelle, and therefore was called the Salted Nuptials. But the Bride being but eleven years of Age, the Marriage was not consummated, and the Fathers and Mothers never having con∣sented, caused it to be dissolved.

The years 1540. and 1541. were spent almost in nothing but intrigues and Negociations. After the truce of Nice the King of England bestirr'd himself mightily, he feared lest by the mediation of the Pope, the two Kings should a∣gree together to fall upon him. He might the Justlier apprehend it, because his cruelty had drawn the hatred of most of his own Subjects upon him. For he had Invaded and broken open the Monasteries, even those of the Nuns: which much incensed their Parents who were forced to maintain them; he had taken away all Abbey-Lands, Abolished the order of Malta, and caused the Memory of St. Thomas of Canterbury to be Condemned, and his Sacred Bones and Reliques to be Burnt. Having therefore reason to fear, he courted the Emperor and the King divers ways; He offered the first to Marry his Niece Widow of Sforza Duke of Milan: to the other he propounded to assist him in the recovery of that Dutchy, and promised to declare whenever he should desire it. Another while he prof∣fered the Emperor to give his Eldest Daughter, she was named Mary, to the Brother of the King of Portugal: but he would not Marry her as Legitimate, for would he have bestowed her as such, the King would willingly have taken her for his second Son.

As for the Emperor, he employed all his intrigues to three ends, the one was to recover the good Will of the Protestant Princes, another to make the Turk believe there was a good and perfect Correspondence between him, the King of France, and the King of England, and the third to amuse the King with new offers he made to give the Low-Countries, under the Title of the Kingdom of Belgica, to Charles Duke of Orleans whom he called his God-Son. The King gave no Faith to this Proposition, and replyed, that he did not demand his Hereditary Countries, but should be contented to have his own again.

But Solyman was so allarmed at this pretended Union of the three Kings, that he flew out against Francis, called him Ingrateful and Fickle-pated, and had like to put Rincon his Ambassador to death.

If the Emperor had his hands full of business with the Protestants of Germany, his Brother Ferdinand had yet a harder task with the Turks in Hungary. John Earl of Sepus had agreed with Ferdinand Auno 1536. upon condition that the part he then was possessed of in the Kingdom, should be his during Life with the Title of King, and that after his death it should be re-united to the other: but contrary to his word he Married with Jane Daughter of Sigismond King of Poland, and had a Son by her when he died. After his Decease, which hap'ned in the year 1540. Ferdinand would Seize upon that part, the Widow to maintain her Son had recourse to the Turk; thus broke out that Flame of War again which compleated the ruin of Hungary. For in the year 1541. Roquandolf General for Ferdinand, lost a great Battle near Buda, against the Bashaw Mahomet; Then Solyman himself coming with a dreadful Army, Seized Treacherously upon the Widow and the Orphan, and the City of Buda which they held.

[Year of our Lord 1541] It was believed that if the Emperor had immediately joyned his Forces with his Brothers, he might have saved Hungary, but he was labouring an Accommo∣dation with the Protestants: to whom, after several Conferences he granted a second Interim, and Reciprocally having given them very ill Impressions of King Francis, he obtained all he desired from them. For the Diet promised him great Supplies against the Turks, declared the Duke of Cleve an Enemy to the Empire, engaged to contribute to the Restauration of the Duke of Savoy, and forbid all Subjects belonging to the Empire from Listing themselves in the Kings Service.

With all this, instead of Marching towards Hungary to make head against Solyman, he carries the War into Africa against the Pirat Barbarossa, which many interpreted a flight, rather then an attaque. He Landed and laid Siege to Algiers the two and twentieth of October. But the Winds, the Storms, and the Rains, as if they had Conspired with the Infidels, defeated him in his Enterprize, and made a War ten times more cruel and destructive to him, then Mankind could have done. The Tempest sunk or forced aground an Hundred Ships and Fifteen Galleys, and cast all his Marriners either into the Gulfe of the Seas, or

[Year of our Lord 1541] into the hands of the Barbarians, who Murther'd them without mercy, the rest in danger to perish thorough hunger, their Victuallers being either sunk, or scat∣ter'd at too great a distance, or their Provisions utterly spoil'd; in a word, so hardly were they handled; that no History affords an example of any Fleet or Army so rudely Treated, or that suffered so terrible a defeat as this same. Of four and twenty Thousand men that were on Ship-board, he brought not Ten Thousand back into Spain, who were besides half dead of hunger and other Miseries they had undergone.

[Year of our Lord 1541 and 42.] Together with this favourable opportunity the King had another just cause of rupture, which was the Murther of his two Ambassadors, Caesar Fregosa and An∣tony de Rincon, committed by the Spaniards. He was sending the first to Con∣stantinople to preserve his Amity with Solyman, with whom the Emperor made use of all the Contrivances imaginable to bring him to a disgust of the King: the other to Venice to endeavour to unlink that Signeury from him, and perswade them to enter into a League with France. Both these were points very preju∣dicial to the Imperialists: the Marquess Du Guast a man without Faith, know∣ing these two Ambassadors were coming in a Barque down the River Po, to go to Venice, caused them to be watched by some Spanish Soldiers; who concealing themselves in small Boats close under the Shoar, kill'd both of them, took their Water-men, and some of their Servants, whom Du Guast shut up in a Prison at Pavia: but most of their Train who were in another Barque ran aground, and made their escape.

Langey Governor of Piedmont was informed of this Assassinate by them, and this was fully confirmed by the Testimony of the Water-men, whom he craftily got out of Prison, and even by some of those very men Du Guast had employ'd in the act. All Christian Princes were informed of it, and had it in horrour. The King demanded reparation of the Emperor, who declined and answer'd on∣ly by Recriminations. This was a most just and necessary cause for a Rupture; besides it was well known the Spaniards had Murthered many other of the Kings Subjects and Envoyez in divers places, and daily practised Corruptions and Intel∣ligences to Surprize some place or other. So that since a War could not be more dangerous nor destructive, neither more expensive to the King, then such a bloody and insiduous Peace, he resolved to declare it against the Emperor, if he did not give satisfaction within a time limited.

And yet whilst he was on his Voyage to Algiers, he had so much generosity as not to undertake any thing against him: but the year following he sent to defie him in out-rageous terms and with bloody reproaches, having before-hand com∣manded publick Prayers, and a general Procession to be made, to appease the wrath of God and implore his assistance.

After the death of Rincon, Paulinus Iscalin, afterwards called the Baron de la Garde, then but a Captain of a Company of Foot, a man of Fortune, but of great Wit and Courage, went on the behalf of the King to Solyman, to desire him to send his Fleet upon the Coast of Provence, and oblige the Venetians to enter into the League they had made against Charles V. Paulin at his return did solicite the Senate of Venaic, from whom not being able to obtain any thing, he went a se∣cond time to Constantinople, and pressed so earnestly, that he had an Audience of Solyman himself; who made answer that the year was too far spent, but the year after he would not fail to fulfil the desires of the King his Brother.

In pursuance of the Declaration of War, the King to attaque his Enemy in five several places, set five Armies on Foot, one about Luxembourg Comman∣ded by the Duke of Orleans his second Son, under the conduct of Claude Duke of Guise; One about Perpignian, by the Daufine, to whom he gave Annebaut and Anthony Desprez-Montpesar for Council; Another led by Longueval and Mortin Van Rossen Mareschal of Guelders into Brabant; A fourth wherewith Charles Duke of Vendosme was to scower the Frontiers of Flanders; And a fifth in Piedmont, whither it Marched under the Mareschal Annebaut. This having been kept there above two Months Idle, had Orders to come into Roussillon to Strengthen the Daufins, which consisted of Five and Forty Thousand Men, and all the Flower of the French Nobility.

They had made the taking of Perpignian appear to the King a thing very easie to be effected, because in truth the Walls were nothing worth, the Towers did not flank it, and he imagin'd at least that if it were not presently gained, the Emperor would come to its Relief and venture a Battle: but the design having

taken Air, the Emperor furnished the Place so well with Men and Artillery, that [Year of our Lord 1542] it defended it self well enough, without any need of his coming. In the mean time there arose discords amongst the Officers, of the French Forces, a Flux got into the Army, and those rowling Torrents that pour down from the Moun∣tains upon the first Autumnal Rains, threatned to overwhelm them all if they remained any longer. All these causes concurring the King sent to the Daufin to de∣camp in the beginning of October; He obey'd unwillingly.

The Duke of Orleans succeeded better then his Brother, he signalized his first Campagne by the taking of Danvilliers, Ivoy, Arlon, Montmedy, and Luxemburgh it self: but as if he had been glutted or tyred with his good Fortune, I cannot tell upon what motive he quitted his Army in the Month of September, and went to wait on his Father then at Montpellier. After his departure the Enemy regained Luxembourgh and Montmedy: but the Duke of Guise having drawn some Forces to∣gether, took the last of those Places again from them.

[Year of our Lord 1542] The War broke out between the English and Scots, about their Limits or Borders. These at first gained a Battle, then lost a greater, after which James V. their King, fell sick and died the Thirteenth of December. The tuition of Mary his only Daugh∣ter by Mary of Lorrain, was in dispute between James Hamilton Earl of Arrain, who favored the English and the novel opinions, and David Beton Arch-bishop and Cardinal of Saint Andrews, who stood for the Catholick Faith, and for the French. This last said, the King by his Will had left it to Four Administrators, whereof he was one: but Hamilton seized upon the Pupil, and betroathed her to Edward the Son of King Henry. Nevertheless the Scots would not suffer she should be carried into England.

The Inhabitants of Rochel, of Marennes, and of the Islands, were revolted upon the endeavouring to settle the Gabel in those Countries. The King at his return from Languedoc passed that way to suppress that Commotion. About the end of December he entred with his Forces into Rochel, and caused great numbers of the Seditious Islanders to be brought before him bound and chained. After he had put them into an extream Consternation, he suffer'd himself to be overcome with Compassion: and from a Scaffold, where he was Surrounded by the Gran∣dees of his Court, he heard, the most humble Request they made him by their Advocate, and which they seconded with doleful Cries for Mercy; and after he [Year of our Lord 1543] had laid open their faults in a discourse equally Tender, Majestick and Eloquent, he absolutely forgave them, caused all the Prisoners to be set at Liberty, and all the Soldiers to be sent out of the City: He would likewise that day needs be guarded and served at his Table by the Bourgeois. His incomprehensible goodness [✚] cloathed them with shame and confusion, and left in their Hearts and Memories a mortal regret for having ever offended him. This was to chastise them indeed after a most Noble and Royal manner.

The Princes and Emperor of Germany had so often demanded a Council that in the Year 1536. Pope Paul III. had Indicted one at Mantoua for the Two and Twentieth of May the following Year. From that time he had Prorogued it to 1538. then to 1539. at Vicenza: but had yet suspended the Celebration for as long time as he should find fit. In the Year 1542. he was obliged by the vehement pursuit of the Emperor, who pressed him, because he was so earnestly pressed by the Princes of the Empire, to assigne one in the City of Trent, which he did by his Bull of the One and Twentieth of May. He believed this Consideration might serve to bring the two Kings to a Peace: but the War growing still hotter betwixt them, there came so few Bishops to Trent, that [Year of our Lord 1543] he was this year 1543. forced to recal the Legates he had sent thither, and refer the Ce∣lebration of the Council to a more pacifick opportunity.

In France and Spain they were making greater preparations for War than e∣ver. The Spaniards furnished the Emperor with above four Millions of Gold; John King of Portugal who was Marrying his Daughter Mary to Philip his only Son, gave him very great Sums, and the King of England promised him no less.

This inconstant Prince, who could never long agree even with himself, being offended for that Francis would not renounce his obedience to the Pope, and for intermedling too far about the Affairs of Scotland, had made a new League

[Year of our Lord 1543] with the Emperor, who did not in the least scruple to have a Prince in Alli∣ance with him though he were under the blackest censures of the Church, a mor∣tal Enemy to the Holy-See, and one that had used his Aunt so outrageously.

That he might be able to withstand so dreadful a Storm, the King laid an im∣post upon the walled Cities, for the Maintenance of Fifty Thousand men; which ended not with the War, as he had promised, nor was revoked till under the Reign of Francis II.

The Emperor going into Germany went by Sea to Italy, whither he also carried Ten Thousand Spaniards in some large Ships and Galleys. He could not upon the Popes earnest request, refuse to confer with him: They met as Bussetta between Parma and Piacenza. The Holy Father endeavoured to perswade him to give up those two Cities to the Holy-See, and invest his Grandson Octavius Farnese with the Dutchy of Milan, since the Italian Potentates would never consent that he should retain it for himself. The Emperor gave him only general words, and cut the Conference off very short, for fear of giving jealousie to the King of England, who was subject enough to misinterpretati∣ons.

That Muley-Assan whom he had restored to the Kingdom of Tunis, being hardly be∣set on all hands by the Turks who had taken from him divers of his places, came to Genoa to kiss his hand and crave some Assistance. Whilest he was absent, one of his Sons named Amida, usurped the Kingdom. The unfortunate Father having given him Battle with some Forces scraped together, was vanquished, and taken with two more of his Sons by the Rebel, who put out his Eyes, reproaching him for having served his own Brothers so. Afterwards this Parricide being driven out of his Kingdom by the Go∣vernour of Goletta, (where nevertheless he got the Mastery again some while after) Muley-Assan made his escape out of Prison, and took refuge amongst the Spani∣ards.

[Year of our Lord 1544] In the Spring time, the King gave Command to Antony, become Duke of Vendosme by the Death of his Father Charles, to revictual Terouane. Then him∣self lead his greatest Forces towards the Low-Countries, where he thought to make a considerable Progress, while the Duke of Gueldres held the Emperors in play.

So that about the end of May, though he were indisposed, he put himself in the head of his Army, which was joyned with the Troops of Antony Duke of Vendosme. He roved for some Weeks all about the Country of Artois, and having often changed his Mind, sometimes to Fortifie L'Illiers and Saint Ve∣nant, another while to besiege Avenes, he fixed at last upon the Fortifying Landrecy on the other side of the Sambre. After he had given the necessary Or∣ders, he came to encamp at Maroles, then to refresh and repose himself at Reims, where he had caused the Ladies to come to divert him.

Whilst he was at Maroles, the Daufin employed part of the Army for the taking the Castle of Emery, which is on an Island in the Sambre, and the Town of Maubeuge: but a while after he forsook them. The Duke of Orleans likewise en∣tred into Luxembourg, regained all the Country which had been taken after his going away, and amongst other the Capital City which gives it the Name. The King was there in Person, visited the Place, and notwithstanding its vast Cir∣cumference, and odd Situation, would have it Fortified. Such as were knowing in the Trade were against the doing of it: but because it was like to be a work of great profit to him that should have the ordering of it, there was an Engenier [☞] that advised it, and undertooke it.

In the mean while the Emperor having passed out of Italy into Germany, came at first to attack the Duke of Cleve, and by the taking his City of Duren which he sacked, and perhaps by the Assistance of his own People whom he had corrupted, frighted him and all the rest of the Country so terribly, that he came and craved his Pardon, and promised to quit his Alliance with the French, and the Title of Duke of Guelders, satisfying himself with that of Administrator. Which was so suddenly done, that the Duke had not time to stay for the Assistance the King was sending to him.

Solyman did not fail of that help he had promised him, for by Land he fell upon Hungary, and took from Ferdinand the Cities of Strigonia and Alba: and by Sea he sent an Hundred and Thirty Galleys to the King, commanded by Barbarossa, who after he had filled the City of Ostia and the Coast along the Popes Territories

with Terror and Amazement, without doing them any mischief, because the [Year of our Lord 1544] forementioned Paulin being with him, took them into the Kings protection, cast Anchor on the Coasts of Provence the Fifth of July. Francis de Bourbon Earl of Enghien, joyned him with two and twenty Galleys, and both of them in Con∣junction besieged the City of Nice the fifth day of August.

The City having been Batter'd from the tenth of the Month to the twentieth, the Governor Andrea de Montfort abandoned it, and carried all into the Castle, which being Built upon a Rock and generously defended, feared neither Mines nor Guns. Besides the French had taken so little care to furnish themselves ei∣ther with Ammunitions or Provisions for the Mouth, that they soon found want of it, and were forced to borrow Powder and Ball of the Turks.

When Barberossa therefore perceived that he lost his Reputation and Men be∣fore this Place, and that moreover Andrea Doria and the Duke were coming to Relieve it, he raised the Siege, and retired to the Coasts of Provence. He staid there all the Winter, not without committing many Barbarities upon the very French themselves, whom he held in scorn for their negligence and want of care, even to the Treating the Count d'Enghien by the name of Youth, and little pretty* 1.176 Minion. In the Spring he asked leave of the King, (who wanted not much entreaty) to let him be gone, either being very little satisfied with the other.

The Siege being raised, Enghien brought back his Land Forces to this side the Var, and took post to find out the King, upon a report spread abroad that there would be a Battle to Relieve Landrecy. After his departure the Duke of Savoy and the Marquess Du Guast employ'd their Army in taking Montdevis and in Fortifying Carignan. There was only a Garrison of Swiss in Montdevis, who Capitulated: but Du Guast brutish and perfidiously put them all to the Edge of the Sword.

Boutieres had abandoned Carignan, and begun to demolish the Fortifications, Du Guast seized upon the Place, Repaired it, and put in a Garrison of Four Thousand men, and three Thousand more at Quiers to assist them in Case of necessity. The King not being satisfied with the Conduct of Boutieres, who had forsaken a place, which Commanded a good part of the Country on the one side, and the Plain even to Suza, recalled him, and gave the Command of all beyond the Mountains to the Count d'Enghien.

When this Prince Arrived, Boutieres was besieging Yvree and was just upon the taking it: he was very unwilling another should bear away the Honour of a Con∣quest so near at hand, wherefore the Prince having sent to him for some of the Forces to Convoy him, he goes and meets him with the whole Army, chusing rather, if we may say so, to let the Prey escape, then that another should have the Quarry.

After the Emperor had subdued the Duke of Cleves, had received a body of twelve Thousand English, and re-inforced his Army to the number of fifty Thou∣sand Fighting men, he came and laid Siege to Landrecy. The King had put Cap∣tain la Lande into the Place with two Hundred Horse, and three Thousand Foot, and had ordered the Lord Desse to assist him: but the Fortifications were new and apt to crumble and be beaten down, and the Frosts intermingled with cold showers did equally incommode the Besiegers and the Besieged, who stood in myre up to the Mid-Leg.

The Attacks were weak and faint: the Emperor thought to gain the Place by Famine. In effect they suffer'd much, but when they could scarce hold any longer after a brave resistance of two Months, the King went from la Fere upon the Oyse, and putting himself at the head of his Army, approached within two Leagues of the Besiegers. The Emperor believing he would give him Battle, drew his Forces from the further side of the Sambre, and joyned them with those on this side; so one side of the place remaining open and free, the King Relieved the Garrison and provided it with all things necessary, then having exe∣cuted what he desired, he made his Retreat by Night very securely, and put his Army into Garrisons on the Frontiers.

Four or Five dayes after his departure, the Emperor likewise marched off: but not willing to loose all his time and pains, and to recompence his not taking Landrecy, he seized upon Cambray by Correspondence of the Bishop, who was of the House of Crouy, put in a Garrison, as a bridle upon the Town, and Built a Citadel to curb them, which was Erected at the Citizens proper

Charges, making them believe it was to preserve them from falling into the hands of the French.

[Year of our Lord 1544] In the Year 1544. Four great Eclipses were Visible in our Hemisphere, one of the Sun which hapned upon the Four and Twentieth of February, and the other three of the Moon. The first being in the same Month was not a Total one, but at the two others which were seen in July and November, the whole Disque of that great Luminary of the Night was quite obscured. During these frightful events in the Heavens,* 1.177 Fran∣cis, the first Son of Henry the Dausin, came into the World the Twentieth day of Ja∣nuary.

The beginning of this Year found William Earl of Fustemberg a German before Luxemburgh, which he block'd up with Twelve Thousand of his Country-men; For, upon I cannot tell what discontent, whether real or affected, he had quit∣ted the Service of France for that of the Emperor. The Prince of Melfy having order from the King, marched that way with his Forces, and with so brave a Resolution, that Fustemberg durst not stay for him, but retired. The Frosts were so excessive sharp, that it turned the Wines into Ice in the Vessels, which they were fain to cut with Axes, and the Lumps were sold by the pound.

In Piedmont the Count d'Enghien young, valiant, and who with an Army of well disciplin'd Men sought only an opportunity of Fighting, having taken all the Posts about Carignan, began his Blocade there the first day of February. The Marquess Du Guast, that he might put in some Supplies, thought to Seize upon Carmagnoles, the Count got thither before him, and left him no possibility of saving the Place but by hazarding a Battle. The Kings Council having given the Count leave to venture it, he observing that Du Guast was on his March to pass over the Po, prevented him and passed it first himself to meet him; Thus the two Armies came to engage nigh the Burrough of Cerizolles the Fourteenth of April which was upon the Easter Monday.

The Victory fell intirely to the French, they Slew two Thousand of the Ene∣mies upon the Place, took their Artillery, their Baggage, great quantity of Am∣munitions, four Thousand Prisoners, without the loss of any more then two Hundred men in all. The Lord de Boutieres who returned into Piedmont upon the rumour there would be a Battle, Termes, Montlue, and de Thais, had the greatest share in the honor of that day. The first Commanding the Van-guard, the second the Light-horse, the third the Forlorn-hope, and the last the French Bands, that is to say the Infantry.

The nobless of the Court, whom a desire of honour had brought thither in post hast, shewed that day very great feats of Valour. The next day some were Knighted in the Field of Battle; amongst others, Gilbert Coiffier* 1.178 la Bussiere a Gentleman of Auvergne, who having bravely Fought in the first Ranks, received this honour from the hands of the Count d'Enghien, as likewise from Boutieres and de Thais. Which I mention that we may know the Customs of those times, and observe that Knight-hood might be Confer'd upon the same man, by several Persons one after another.

The Marquess wounded in the Knee escaped to Milan with Four Hundred Horse only. Amongst his Equipage were found several Chariots full of Shackels and Padlocks designed to have chained the French withal; so certainly did his pride make him confident of Victory.

The fruits of this days success were the City of Carignan, and all the Marqui∣sate of Montferrat, excepting Casal. Milan had followed it had the King but sent Supplies of Men and Money: but so far was it from this, that he re∣called Two and Twenty Ensignes of Foot, who made up Twelve Thousand Men, of whom he stood in need for the defence of the Kingdom, being inform∣ed that the Emperor, who had made a League with the English, was drawing a vast Army together near the Rhine, and that both were to fall upon France at the same time.

And indeed the Kingdom found it self this year in great danger, these two potent Princes had divided it betwixt them, and had projected to joyn their Armies before Paris to saccage that great City, and from thence ravage all to the Loire. They would have made up together Fourscore Thousand Foot, and two and twenty Thousand Horse. It is certain that if the Emperor had come directly to Paris he had found Francis all in disorder, for having promised him∣self

[Year of our Lord 1544] that Luxembourgh would make a long resistance, he had not much hast'ned the coming of the Swiss. But the good Fortune of France had so disposed things, that being tempted by the facility he found in his March of taking Luxembourg, which Francis d'Angliure d'Estauges Surrendred very lightly, then afterwards the Castle of Commercy (the City was burnt) Ligny, and Brienne, he fixed upon the Siege of Saint Disier the three and twentieth of June.

Saint Disier, contrary to the expectation of all men, resisted six Weeks, by the Valour of that la Lande, who had before so generously defended Landrecy. That brave Captain was there slain upon the Rampart; the Count de Sancerre whom the King had joyned with him, took the Command as Chief. He finding him∣self at the end of his Ammunition, obtained a suspension of Armes for Twelve dayes, which being expired and no Assistance coming he Surrendred the Place.

From thence the Emperor sent notice to the King of England that he was Marching towards Paris, and Summon'd him to be there according to Agree∣ment. But the King of England, by his Example, having resolved also to Con∣quer some Places, sent him for answer, that he would advance, as soon as he had taken Boulogne by the Sea Coast and Monstreuil. He was then before Boulogne with twenty Thousand men, and the Duke of Norfolk his Lieutenant before Monstreuil with ten Thousand English, and twelve Thousand Flemmings whom the Counts of Bures and de Roeux had brought thither. The Emperor not being able to make him remove from thence, desired at least he would allow him, (his Army being much weakned) to save his honour by a Truce; To which he consented: but for his own part refused to hear of such a thing. He had a mind to let them see that of himself he was able to make Conquests in France.

In the mean while the Emperor descended along the Marne, and entred so far into Champagne, that the Forces of the Daufin watching him close, and cutting off his Provisions and Forrage on all Sides, he found himself in very great danger of Perishing with his whole Army. There were at that time two Parties at Court, one for the Daufin, the other for the Duke of Orleans, This last saved him, Anne de Pisselieu the Kings Mistress, opposite to Diana de Poitiers who was for the Daufin, loved the Duke of Orleans mightily, and studied his Interest to the prejudice of his Brothers, that he might be her support when the King chanced to fail her. This Woman, too Credulous, looking on the Emperor as already Father in Law to that Prince, revealed all the Secrets of the Kings Council to him, and it was she who brought it so to pass, by means of Nicholas de Bossu Longueval, that he made himself Master of Espernay and of Chasteau-Thierry, where he met with Provisions in abundance, without which all had been lost.

Fear had like to have depopulated all Paris when it was known that he was in Chasteau-Thierry, and that his flying Parties came as far as Meaux; some fled to Rouen, others to Orleans; all the Roads were throng'd with Carts loaden with House-hold Goods, Women and Children; and that which encreased the disor∣der was a many Herds of Rascals that Robb'd these poor People. The King sent Claude Duke of Guise to Paris to encourage them; and himself came thither soon after.

But the Emperor instead of approaching it, took to the left and went to Soisson••. Being lodged in the Abby called Saint John de Vignes which is in the Suburbs, the propositions for a Peace were set on Foot. A Jacobin Monk of the Noble House of the Guzmans in Spain, mentioned it first to the Kings Confessor. The Dau∣fins Party would have none, those for the Duke of Orleans pusht it on with ex∣traordinary importunity, the King sided with the Latter. The Deputies being therefore Assembled at Crespy in Luonnois concluded it the eighteenth of the Month of September.

The Principal Articles were that the Emperor within two years, should at his own choice, either give his Daughter, or the Daughter of Ferdinand to the Duke of Orleans, and for Dowry, the Dutchy of Milan, or else the Low-Countries, and the Counties of Burgundy and of Charolois; That if he gave Milan, he should keep the Castles of Milan and Cremona, till a Child were born of that Marriage: That the King should renounce to the Kingdom of Naples, and to Milan, in case the Emperor gave the Low-Countries to the Duke of Orleans: That he should restore the Duke of Savoy to all his Lands: but that he should retain the Towns so long as the Emperor did hold Milan and Cremona: That what had been taken

[Year of our Lord 1545] in those Countries since the truce of Nice (the Emperor had taken but one place, and the King above twenty) should be resigned by either party; as likewise all those which had been taken in France and in the Low-Countries.

This Place being more Advantageous to the Duke of Orleans then to France, the Daufin who could not Suffer either the Aggra••dising of his Brother, nor the damage of the Kingdom, made Protestations against it in the Castle of Fontaine∣bleau, in presence of the Duke of Vandosme, the Count d'Enghien his Brother, and Francis Earl of Aumale,* 1.179 the second day of December. The Kings People of the Parliament of Toulouze did so likewise, as to what concerned the Rights of the Crown, and the Translation of the Subjects to another Prince.

That which hastned the King to conclude this Treaty, was not alone the in∣stigation of the Duke of Orleans, but likewise the unwelcom news he received of Boulognes Capitulating, and the extreme danger Monstreuil was in. The Mare∣schal de Biez defended the last most Stoutly though it were nothing worth: but his Son-in-Law James de Coucy Vervin, a young Fellow easie to be scared, as having no experience, Surrendred Boulogne most unworthily before it was in dan∣ger, and when the Daufin was within two days March of the Place to Relieve it. Nor did he forgive him for it, having ever a strong conceit that he had given it up to favour the Duke of Orleans. Monstreuil was saved, because the Peace being concluded at Crespy, the Count de Bures and de Roeux, who were joyned with the Duke of Norfolk, had very express Orders to retire.

The Daufin who had used great diligence to come to the relief of Boulogne, finding it Surrendred, made an attempt in the Night upon the Basse Ville, which was enclosed only with a Ditch, without any Wall, and yet nevertheless where the English had put their Cannon and Equipage. He gained it very ••asily: But for want of good Order, his men falling upon the Baggage, the English came down from the upper Town, and though much inferior in Numbers, beat and drove them out: but not all, for there were four or five hundred remained dead upon the place.

This project failing, the Mareschal de Bi••z had orders to raise a Fort upon the point of Land which lies right over against the Old Tower,* 1.180 to hinder the en∣trance into the Harbour: but they having no Water there, and it being impos∣sible the Souldiers could abide in it, by reason it lay exposed to all Wind and Weather, they built another that faced the Basse-Ville, or lower Town, in a place called Outrea••, but made it so small, that after three Months labour, they were fain to fill up the Trenches to enlarge it.

[Year of our Lord 1545] The Affairs of Scotland being Embroiled by the King of England, who, what∣ever it cost him would have the Heiress for his Son, the King took a care to assist the young one and the Queen her Mother. The Earl of Lenox, in the year 1543. carried some Forces thither which he sent: But that Spark having gamed away the Money which was for Payment of their first Muster, went over to the King of England's Service, who bestowed his Neece upon him. In his room were sent the Lord de la Brosse a Gentleman of Bourbon then Lorges Earl of Montgomery Captain of the Scotch Guards, with some Soldiers.

Some Vando••s were still remaining in the Valleys of the Alpes, between Dau∣finé and Savoy. There were of them in the two Burroughs of Merindol and Ca∣brieres, the first being part of the County of Venisse, the other in the Territories belonging to the King. Since Luther's starting up they began to Preach publick∣ly: About the year 1536. the Parliament of Provence whereof Anthony Chassane was then Premier President, had made a Decree for the punishing them This had been put by several times: but this year 1545. John Menier d'Oppede who succeeded Chassan•• that dyed suddenly, being moved either out of Zeal, or because one of his Tenants went away to Cabrieres without paying his Rent, undertook to Execute it. He raised Forces, and joyning them with such as the Vice-Legat of Avignon was pleased to furnish him withal, went to Exterminate those mi∣serable creatures, and made a general Massacre of all of them, without di∣stinction of Age or Sex, excepting only such as made their Escape to the Rocks.

The preceding year Anthony Duke of Lorraine had left this World: this year Duke Francis his Son followed him; leaving a Son named Charles aged but two years. Anthony was fain to use great skill to preserve and poyse himself between the King and the Emperor. He Married one of his Daughters to Rene de Chaalons Prince of

Orange, and Francis his eldest Son, to Christina Daughter of Christierne II. King [Year of our Lord 1545] of Denmark, and Dorothy Sister to the Emperor; The King had conceived great jealousies upon it; Nevertheless his conduct was so prudent, and his proceedings seemed so cordial in his Laborious undertakings to procure a Peace between him and the Emperor, that at length he was fully satisfied in him.

The Council was earnestly demanded for by the Emperor and by the Germans: but the Catholicks desired a general one, and the Protestants a National where the Pope should not be Judge. In the year 1542. Paul III. had indicted it at Trent; And nevertheless for divers causes he delay'd the opening of it till the thirteenth day of De∣cember in this year, which was the third Sunday in Advent. The Orders for the Con∣vocation were directed to the Emperor and the King by Name: but to all other Princes only in general.

When the King found he could not recover Boulogne either by force or by way of Treaties, he believed the best means to regain it would be to attaque the King of England in his own Island. He therefore sent Orders to Captain Paulin to sit his Galleys at Marseilles and bring them to the Mouth of the River Seine, got ten great Genoese Ships, divers of which perished at the entrance into that River, and joyned all the Good Vessels he had in any of his Harbours. But intending to Treat the Ladies at Dinner in his great Carrack which was the stateliest Ves∣sel belonging to the Sea, the Cooks by their carelesness set it on Fire, utterly consumed it, and much damnified all those that lay about her by the discharging one hundred Guns she had on Board. Which greatly disordered the Feast, and gave an ill presage of that expedition.

The Admiral Annebaut had the Command of the Fleet. He went to seek out the English upon their own Coasts, and Seized upon the Isle of Wight. The English after some small Firings retired between that Island and Portsmouth, in a place surrounded with Banks and Rocks, where there was but one narrow Chan∣nel to go in. It was not thought sit either to fortifie the Island, nor to fall upon them in a place of such advantage: but to Land on their Coasts in sight of King Henry, who was come down to Portsmouth, to see what passed, and send forth his Men of War. They made two or three Landings with a great deal of Noise, but Annebaut perceiving they would not come forth, and his Provisions being spent, he turned his Prow towards France and arrived there about the end of July.

The Mareschal de Biez advanced little against Boulogne, though the King him∣self to push the business forward were come with Charles Duke of Orleans his se∣cond Son to the Abbey of Forrest-Moustier, which is within ten Leagues of it be∣tween Abbeville and Monstrevil.

The Wound which Francis Duke d'Aumale received in a Salley made by the Enemies, is a thing very remarkable; He returned from the Engagement with the Iron head of a Lance and a piece of the Wooden Truncheon sticking in his head, which entered at the Angle betwixt his right Eye and his Nose, and came out behind between the Nape of his Neck and his Ear. The Chyrurgeon, whose name was Ambrose Paré, was forced to draw it out with a strong hand and Instru∣ment; and yet he most happily recover'd.

In the mean time Contagious distempers got into the Kings Army, and the Duke of Orleans a Prince of great hopes, dyed the eight of September at Forrest-Moustier, whether of Venom or of some Poison that was thought to have been given him by some Creatures of his Brothers. For they could not endure the King should cherish him so much as he did, and be angry that the Daufin notwith∣standing his command to the contrary kept correspondence with the Conestable Montmorency, whose return they desired, because their Master earnestly longed for it.

The death of this Prince broke all the bonds of Concord (if there were any) between the King and the Emperor. The Envoyez carrying the News of it to the latter, and asking how he intended to dispose of the Dutchy of Milan, he plain∣ly told them that he to whom he had promised it being no more, he thought him∣self disengaged of his promise.

He declared his intention with so much the greater confidence, as finding his Affairs against the Protestants in a very good posture; some of whom, as Maurice one of the Dukes of Saxony, had taken his Party; Frederic the Elector Palatin had Submitted;

[Year of our Lord 1546] John Frederic Duke of Saxony, and Philip Landgrave of Hesse who had declared War against him, did not well agree together, in-so-much as their vast Army, which at first was Seventy Thousand Foot, and Fifteen thousand Horse, were almost dwindled to nothing; and that his own encreased daily by the Supplyes sent him from the Pope and the Princes of Italy, and those Forces he drew out of the Low-Countries, his Hereditary Lands, and from the Catholick Princes.

A Peace was equally desired by King Francis, and by the King of England: The first was not in very good health, his Army wasted by Sickness, and he ap∣prehended those great Forces which Charles V. raised to quell the Protestant Princes of Germany, might fall upon him. Henry had neither Men, nor Money, and feared that a Forreign War might favour such as had a mind to rise at home. Upon these considerations, they named their Deputies about the end of April, who meeting at a place between Ardres and Guines, after six weeks debate, con∣cluded the Peace upon the eight day of June, by which the King of England pro∣mised to restore Boulogne within eight years: and the King was obliged to give him eight hundred thousand Crowns of Gold, to be paid by one hundred thousand each year.

The residue of this same King Francis employed in visiting and furnishing his Frontiers, fearing lest the Emperor should attempt something upon him: as no doubt he would, had the Protestants Submitted so early as he expected. Francis was advised to assist them to keep the War out of his own Kingdom, and main∣tain it in his Enemies. He might do it with honour, they were his Allies; he might in Conscience do it, since the Emperor by his Manifesto's declared he de∣signed nothing against their Belief, but their Rebellion: Nevertheless the Scru∣pulous Counsel of the Cardinal de Tournon diverted him; and even to let them know they were to hope for nothing from him, engaged him to express his wrath against such as were Professors of their Religion, by kindling the Flames of per∣secution throughout all his Dominions. Great numbers of those miserable Crea∣tures were Burnt, many redeemed themselves from Fire and Faggots by Singing Palinodia, and the more Sagacious by a timely Flight.

[Year of our Lord 1547] The eight and twentieth of February in the year 1547. Henry King of England, aged fifty seven years, ended the Thrid of his Life, which his incontinency had horribly knotted and entangled by the Multiplicity of his Marriages, and the terrible change he made in the Anglicane Church. He had six Wives Catherine of Arragon, Anne Bullen, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleve, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parre. He was divorced from the first and the fourth, saw the third die in Child-Bed, and caused the second and the fifth to be Beheaded for the crimes of Adultery, the sixth survived him and Married Thomas Seymour Admiral of England. By the first he left a Daughter named Mary, by the second another named Elizabeth, and by Jane a Son named Edward, as then nine years of Age, who came to the Crown immediately after him.

The rumour of the Emperors Armes gave astonishment to all Christendom, the Pope himself Trembled for fear lest having Subdued Germany he should pass into Italy. When Francis had therefore well considered the consequences of the ruin of the Protestants, he changed his mind and made a League with them, ob∣liged himself to receive the Eldest Son of the Duke of Saxony, into France, and in particular permit him the exercise of his Religion, promised to send an Hun∣dred Thousand Crowns to his Father, and as much to the Landgrave of Hesse, till such time as he could assist them with Forces.

In the mean while his trouble for the death of King Henry encreasing his inve∣terate distemper, changed a lingring Feavour that was upon him into a continu∣ed one, and stopt him at the Castle of Rambouillet, where he finished his life the last day of March, by an end worthy of a most generous Prince, and a most Christian King.

He earnestly recommended to his Son the diminishing of the Tallage which he had raised too much, not to recall Montmorency to continue the Cardinal de Tournon, to whom he willed a Hundred Thousand Crowns, and Annebaut in the Administration; told him that the Sons ought to imitate the Vertues of their Fathers and not their Vices; that the French being the best people in the world, deserved so much the more to be well Treated, as they refused their King no∣thing in his necessity; and many other things which the Prince buried in Oblivi∣on before his Father was laid down in his Grave. If he would have had these

last things put in practice, he should have made those that were to be his Sons [Year of our Lord 1547] Ministers his Executors.

Magnificence and State Attended him to his very Tomb: his Funeral was made with extraordinary Pomp; Elven Cardinals were present, which before had never hap'ned. He was publickly by Proclamation in the Palace-Hall, decla∣red, a Prince Clement in Peace, Victorious in War, the Father and Restorer of good Learning, and the liberal Sciences.

He never had his Paralel in liberality, in magnificence and in clemency; very few to compare with him in Valour, Eloquence and useful Learning. He would have been a great Prince in all things, had he not sometimes suffered himself to be prepossessed by the Evil Counsels of his Ministers, and a passion towards women. Those to render themselves all-powerful, set up his Authority above the Ancient Laws of the Kingdom, even to an Irregularity of Government; the Women he loved being vain and prodigal, changed his Noble desire of Fame, to fastuosity and vanity, and made him often consume in idle expences the Money he had designed for some great enterprize.

The Ten last Years of his Life, the anxiety of his distemper made him so good a Husband, that although he had made several stately Buildings in divers places,* 1.181 had employed great Sums in purchasing rich Furniture, many Jewels, excel∣lent Pictures, and curious Books; though he had bestowed Pensions upon all the brave Souldiers, and truly learned men he could meet with, and had maintained a War against all the powers of Europe for almost Thirty years: yet at his death he left all his own Demeasnes clear of all Engagements, Four Hundred Thou∣sand Crowns of Gold in his Coffers, and a quarter of a years Revenue ready to be paid in. On the contrary his Son, in the thirteen years he reigned, though he sold a great many Offices newly created, raised the Imposts a third part higher, and gave nothing to his Favourites, was yet indebted fifteen or sixteen Millions; a great Sum in those days.

I had forgot to note that he had chosen for his Devise, or Impress, a Sala∣mander in the fire, with this Motto Nutrisco & Extinguo, I am nourished by it, and I extinguish it; and that he Erected into Dutchies and Pairries, the County of Vendosm for Charles de Bourbon in 1514. that of Guise in favour of Claude de Lorrain in 1527. that of Montpensier for Lewis de Bourbon in 1538. The same year, out of affection to Francis of Cleve, he likewise gave the Title of Dutchy to that of Nevers, which was before made a Pairrie by King Charles VIII. Anno 1459. Till then no Erection of such great Dignities had been made, but to supply the number of the Six ancient ones; wherefore the Parliament made a grave and serious remonstrance to the King to hinder that of Guise: but he desi∣red to gratifie with that honour a Prince, whose extraordinary vertues raised him almost equal to those of his Blood.

He Married two Wives, Claude Daughter of Lewis XII. and of Anne de Bre∣tagne in the year 1514, and Eleonora of Austria Sister of Charles V. in the year 1530. By the first he had three Sons and three Daughters, whereof none remained alive but Henry who Reigned, and Margaret that was Married to Emanuel Phili∣bert Duke of Savoy. Queen Eleonora brought him no Children. After his death she retired into the Low-Countries to the Emperor her Brother, who in Anno 1555. carried her into Spain. She died at Bajadox, in the year 1558. Aged about Threescore Years.

HENRY II.

King LVIII.

Aged about XIX. Years.

POPES,

• PAUL III. Two Years and above 7 Months under this Reign.
• JULIUS III. Elected in Februa∣ry, 1549. S. 5 Years, 1 Month and a half.
• MARCELLUS II. Elected in April, 1555. S. 22 dayes.
• PAUL IV. Elected in May, 1555. S. 4 Years 2 Months and a half.

[Year of our Lord 1547] HENRY came to the Crown upon the same day of the Year that he came into the World. The Robes and other preparations for the Ceremony of his Coronation not being got ready before Mid-July, he received not the Sacred Unction till the Five and Twentieth of that Month, by the hands of Charles de Lorraine who was Archbishop of Reims. Claude Duke of Guise, and Frances de Cleves Duke of Nevers, preceded Lewis de Bourbon Duke of Montpensier, though a Prince of the Blood, because their Pairres being more Ancient by some years, the first represented the Duke of Guyenne, the second the Earl of Toulouze, but Montpensier the Earl of Cham∣pagne only.

This King had been without defects, as he was without disquiet, had his Soul been framed as compleatly as his body. His noble Stature, his Serene and goodly Visage, his pleasing aspect, his dexterity in all brave exercises, his agility and bo∣dily strength were not attended with that firmness of Mind, Application, Pru∣dence, and the Sagacity requisite in one that is to command. He was naturally good, and had inclinations to do justice: but he never possessed himself, and be∣cause he would do nothing, he was the cause of all those Evils they Committed who governed him.

* 1.182 The Constable de Montmorency whom he immediately called to Court, Fran∣ces Earl of Aumale, who was Duke of Guise after the death of his Father, and James d'Albon Saint André, whom he made Mareschal of France, had the best share in his Favour. He considered the first as his principal Minister, the two others as Favorites: but all even the Queen her self, bowed before his Mistress; This was Diana de Poitiers Widow of Lewis de Brezé, and whom he had made Dutchess of Valentinois. She meddled with all, she could do all. That it might be known she Reigned, he would have it appear in all his Turnaments, on his House-hold goods, in his Devises, or Impresses, and even on the Frontispieces of his Royal Buildings, by placing every where a Crescent, with Bows and Arrows, which were the Symbols of that unblushing Diana.

[Year of our Lord 1547] One might think this love of a young King for a Woman of Forty Years, and who had three or Four Children by her Husband must have been indeed an In∣chantment without Charmes. She was unjust, violent and haughty towards such as displeased her: but otherwise ready to do good, and very liberal, her wit mighty agreeable and pleasing, but her hands more yet, because she bestowed of∣ten and much and with a very bon-grace. The King loved her because she was so sensible of Love; and this temperament did sometimes lead her elsewhere to seek out the full measure of her delights, as she found in him the fulness of Honour and Riches.

Under a new Government there is a new face of Court. They left Frances Oliver in the Office of Chancellor, whereof he was very worthy: but they took away the Administration from the Cardinal de Tournon, and Annebaut, Bayard one of the Secretaries was Imprisoned, and Villeroy his Compagnon deprived of his Employment; James du Tiers, and Claude Clausse Marquemont were put in their Places; as in that of John du val Tresorier de l'Espargne, Blond de Bochecour, whose Wages or Salary was augmented to thirty Thousand Livers, a certain presage of the future wasting of the Finances * 1.183. They likewise took away the Office of Grand Master of the Artillery, or Ordnance from Claude de Tais to give it to Charles de Cossé Brisac, the Lord amongst all the Courtiers the most love∣ly, and the most beloved by the Kings Mistress.

Longeval accused to be of Intelligence with the Emperor, redeemed himself by selling his fair House de Marchez in Laonnois to Charles de Lorrain, who soon af∣ter was made Cardinal. Of Twelve Cardinals that were then in France, the new Ministers, to be the more at large and at their own ease sent Seven of them to Rome, upon pretence of Fortifying the French Party for the Election of a Pope, when Paul III. who was near Fourscore years old, should come to die. Annebaud to satisfie to an Edict which they had purposely made, that one man could not hold two great Offices, was forced to quit that of Mareschal, wherewith Saint André was gratified.

Francis I. had encreased the number of Mareschals even to Four: but finding that the multitude debased that great dignity, he had resolved to reduce them to two, so that at this time there were but three. They added a fourth, which was Robert de la Mark Sedan Son in Law of Diana. They made process against Odard de Biez likewise Mareschal of France, and against Vervin his Son in Law. They were not Condemned till the year 1549. Vervin lost his head; His Father in Law an Honourable old Man, and by whose hands Henry being then but Dau∣sin would needs be made a Knight, was shamefully degraded of his Office and the Order of Saint Michael. He died of Grief in the Fanxbourg Saint Victor, whither he had permission to retire.

The Earldom of Aumale was erected to a Dutchy in favour of Frances Eldest Son of Claude Duke of Guise.

The Dutchess d'Estampes having no more support at Court, and seeing her self despised by all the World, even of her own Husband, chose one of his Hou∣ses for her Retreat, where she yet lived some years in the Exercise of the new Religion, to which her Example, and Liberalities drew a great many Peo∣ple.

All the Kings Revenues being too little to satisfie the Covetousness of the new Ministers▪ they sought to have Advice what to demand of him; but the Genius of the French, nor their Parliaments, being yet used to suffer Monopo∣lies and Farmers, they employ'd Accusers, or Informers, who brought the rich∣est Delinquents to Justice, that they might enjoy their Spoils by Confiscations or by Compositions.

As to Things without Doors, the Pope desired to have a defensive League with the King; and for that end had sent the Cardinal Saint George Legate into France, to give the King thanks for having promised his Natural Daughter Diana, but nine Years old, to his Grand-Son Horace, and to negociate a more strickt Alliance with him. The King gave no Positive Answer to the last Proposition, his Affairs not being as yet in good Order, and they suspecting his great Age, and the Fidelity of his Children. And indeed, he was at the same time treating with the Emperor to get the Dutchy of Milan, for John Lewis Farneze his bastard Son.

The King and the Emperor laboured separately and distinctly with the Turk, the one to have a Peace with him, the other to incite him to fall upon Hungary,

[Year of our Lord 1547] as he had promised King Francis. Now as on the part of France, they neglected a while to send any News to Constantinople, or even give notice of the death of that King; the Emperor meeting no Obstruction, obtained a Truce of Solyman for five Years, paying him thirty thousand Crowns Tribute Annually, and mak∣ing him believe he held a very good Correspondence with the French, and that they would have no more to do with the Port. Nevertheless Solyman desiring still to preserve his Amity with France, would needs without being required, have the King to be comprized in the Truce of Hungary, as if he had been abso∣lutely a Party contracting. It is to be observed that in the Writings or Instru∣ment of this Truce, Solyman stiles Charles V. only simply King of Spain, and the King of France, the most serene Emperor of France, his most dear Friend and Allie.

The Sixteenth of July, the King being returned out of Picardy, where he had been to visit the Frontiers, saw at Saint Germains en laye the famous Duel between Guy Chabot Jarnac, and Francis Vivonne la Chasteigneraye, they quarrell'd about some certain intrigues of the Womens, Jarnac had given the Lie to Chasteigneraye upon some villanious reproach of his concerning his Fathers second Wife. He challenges him to fight; the King permitted it, causeth the Lists to be made rea∣dy, and would needs be a Spectator with the whole Court. He fancied Chaste∣igneraye would have the better, whom he cherished; and yet it fell out that Jarnac though much weakned with a Feavour that tormented him, brought him down with a back blow he gave him on his hams. They parted the Combatants: but the vanquished not able to undergo so much shame in the Kings Presence, would never suffer the Chyrurgions to bind up his wound, but dyed of rage within a few days. The King was so concerned at it, that he sware solemnly never to permit the like Combats.

In the Month of August the Grands Jours, or extraordinary Court of Justice, began to be held in the City of Tours.

The troubles continued in Scotland. The English were obstinately bent to have the young Queen for their King Edward, and had gained a furious Battel against the Scots, and after it taken several places. The King sent therefore an Army into Scotland Commanded by Dessé Epanvillers, who was accompanied by Peter Strozzi and Dandelot Brother to Chastillon. They settled the Authority of the Queen Dowager, stopt the Progress of the English, and the year following brought the young Queen into France, she was but six years of Age.

Two Months before the Kings Coronation news came into France, that the Protestant Princes of the League of Smalcalde, were vanquish't by the Emperor in the Battel of Mulberg the twenty fourth of April; That John Frederic Duke of Saxony their chief head, and a Prince of great worth was taken Prisoner in the rout; that the Emperor had caused him to be Condemned to lose his Head, and having with much ado given him his life, he detained him in Prison, and had deprived him of his Dutchy to invest his Consin Maurice with it, who was of the same House of Saxony, and of the same Religion: that all the great free Cities, excepting Magdenbourgh, had submitted; that the Landgrave of Hesse had been forced to comply with his Commands, and that going to wait upon him by vertue of his faith given in writing under his own hand, and his Parolle gi∣ven to Maurice his Son in Law, he caused him to be held Prisoner. His Mi∣nisters to colour his Treachery, put by mistake a W. instead of an N. in a cer∣tain word, so that it signified without perpetual imprisonment, instead of without any imprisonment.

These mighty advantages and success gave the King some Jealousie, and put his Ho∣liness in great fear. This last was besides much irritated against the Emperor for what hapned at Piacenza. He had first given to Peter Lewis Farneze his Bastard Son, the Dutchy of Camerino which was taken from Guidobaldo Duke of Urbin, Son of Fran∣ces Mary de la Rovere. This establishment did not seem good enough, he soon after exchanged with him for the Cities of Parma and Piacenza, which he adorned with the Title of a Dutchy. Now this Peter Lewis using his principality, as if it were a sove∣raign right to violate all manner of right, it happened that three of the principal Citizens of Piacenza and of the Gibeline Faction, whom he had taxed in great Sums, conspired against him, entred into the Old Citadel, upon pretence of coming to Petition him to take it off and discharge them, when they had notice by the firing of a Pistol their Signal, that their Confederates had seized on the Gates, slew him and his Steward about Eleven of

the Clock after he had Dined. The Blow being given they called Twelve of their friends [Year of our Lord 1547] into the Citadel, hung the Duke up by the heels upon the battlements of the Walls, where they left him till night, then dragg'd him to the publick Market place, where he lay two hours exposed to all the outrage of the populace.

The Gibelines in the mean while took up Arms, drove out the Garrison, and gave notice of it to Ferdinand de Gonzague, whom the Emperor had made Governor of Milan in the room of Du Guast who dyed in disgrace. Ferdinand presenting himself with a Hundred Men armed Cap-a-pee, was received into the City, took an Oath of Fidelity in the Emperors name, and put in Ten or Twelve Hundred Men; and short∣ly after he likewise endeavoured to surprize Parma. Now as the Emperor was not well pleased that the Pope had given these two Cities to his Son, because they were, said he, of the Dutchy of Milan, and withal knowing that Prince sided with the French Party underhand, and that he had a finger in the Conspiracy of Lewis de Fiesque, who perish∣ed in trying to surprize Genoa: it was believed with great reason that Gonzague had contrived or at least encouraged and favour'd that Tragical Conspiracy.

The Seigneory of Venice took the Allarm so hot, that they created a Provedi∣tor on Land to take charge and care of the Frontiers, which they had never wont to do but in a time of extream peril. The Pope was struck to the very heart, and resolved to embrace all wayes and means to revenge his blood they had so cruelly shed.

Peter Lewis had left three Sons, Alexander who was a Cardinal, Octavia who had Married a Bastard of the Emperors, and Horatio Duke of Castro who sought to Marry the Kings. The first and the third followed the resentments of their Grandfather: but Octavio diverted and hindred them, employing his Wife to that end who possessed that old man, and kept him so fast bound that he could not get out of her Snares and Fetters. Thus having seized on Parma, he made no difficulty of accepting a Truce for six Months with Gonzague, upon Con∣dition however that he should have a Months time either to refuse or confirm it.

Before this a Treaty was in hand between the King and the Pope for a Defen∣sive League; both of them apprehended lest the power of the Emperor, en∣creased by the defeat of the Protestants, should fall upon their heads. The King, did with much eagerness seek to preserve the Alliance of the Turk: besides his Ambassador in Ordinary, which was d'Aramon, he sent thither the Baron de Fu∣meil, and then also the Sieur d'Huyson to endeavour to break the Truce between Charles V. and Solyman, and to get him to draw his Sword against Hungary. They assured him that the King in that Case would not sail to do him the Office of a Friend, having an excellent Militia and better paid then ever, Fifteen Thousand Lansquenets and Seventeen Thousand Swiss ready to March, besides his Legions and other bands of Gascons and Italians, and forty Gallies he had built, a Supply worthy to be offered to so great a Prince.

A very fair opportunity presented it self at the same time, but which could last only two Months, a Tumult in the City and Kingdom of Naples, who were risen to hinder the settling of the Inquisition, a dreadful Monster to all such as have been born and bred up in Liberty, even to the wisest, and the most Christian. The Banished proffer'd to seize upon Naples, Capoua, Aversa, Nola, and to enter the Country with Twelve Thousand Men. The Pope list'ned to those Propositions, and the Cardinal Farneze propounded to the King that those Banished should be seconded with an Army of Twenty Thousand more, provided he would but pay them four Months, and pressed him instantly to have recourse to the Turk, and de∣sire Forty of his Galleys to fall upon the Coasts of Naples.

Now his Holiness being in this disposition against the Emperor, and knowing withal that his Partisans who were the stronger in the Council of Trent, had con∣spired to diminish the Pontifical Power, to raise and augment the Imperial, and to satisfie the Germans, who cried out that all the abuses of the Church proceed∣ed from the Court of Rome, took a resolution under a pretence the Plague was at Trent, to transfer the Council to Bologna. The King sent the Bishops of France thither: but the Emperors were resolved to stay at Trent, and the others as ob∣stinate not to return to that place; which occasioned a mighty confusion.

Upon this the Kings Agents would needs have the Pope to consider, that he disobliged all the Germans, as well Protestants as Catholiques by transferring the [Year of our Lord 1547. and 48.]

[Year of our Lord 1548] Council to Italy, and gave up the Game to the Emperor, that Prince winning their affections by insisting on what they desired, that it should be held at Trent; And therefore they were of opinion that he should consent to what they demand∣ed, but upon conditions which would be impossible: which was that be should engage all the Protestants to pass their words they would subscribe to what should be there decided. His Holiness did not follow this advice, but chose ra∣ther to suspend it till the Year 1550.

The Emperor thinking to appease the troubles about Religion in Germany, published an Edict, which ordained all persons to follow a certain Form of Doctrine and Cerimo∣nies, until a general Council had determined all those differences. It was called the In∣terim. It contained 26 Articles, whereof two were favourable to the Protestants, those were a liberty of Marriage for their Priests, and the use of the Cup for the Lai∣ty. This accommodation pleased neither the one, nor the other Party, nor was received but by force and compulsion.

The Emperors ill will towards the King, discover'd its self but too much by several tokens, particularly the death of Volgesperg, Mentel, and Volfius, German Captains, whom he seized upon in their houses, and caused them to lose their heads by the Hang∣man, making it criminal for that they had raised some Troops to assist at the Kings Co∣ronation. He would at that very time have given him a taste of his good affection by declaring an open War, had he not been hindred by three grand Obstacles, one of them being his indisposition, for he was much tormented with the Gout, perhaps complicated with some other distemper, for which he used Guajacum; the other that he durst not so soon leave Germany, held in obedience meerly by his presence: and the third that Solyman in the instrument of the Truce, had comprehended the King in these terms, that he was not only his Friend, but also a Friend to his Friends, and Enemy to his Enemies.

Henry King of England had ordained that his Son Edward should succeed him to the Crown, that he failing Mary should attain to it, and after her Elizabeth whom he had by Anne Bullen. He had left the Government of the Kingdom and of young Ed∣ward to twelve Lords: but the eleven yielded up their authority to Edward S••ymour Earl of Hereford and Duke of Somerset his maternal Ʋncle, who by this means was Regent or Protector of England. This Duke being imbued with the Opinions of Zuinglius, laboured in such sort, with the help of Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury who was a Lutheran, that by an Ordonnance of Parliament held in the Month of November, he caused the exercise of the Catholique Religion to be abolish∣ed, and introduced another Medly of the Opinions of Calvin and those of Lu∣ther.

[Year of our Lord 1548] Whilst the King was taking his measures, and before he would adventure to shock so potent an Enemy as a Victorious Emperor, he thought fit under colour of making a Progress through his Kingdom, to visit Champagni, Burgundi, and Lyonnois, making his entrance into all the Cities with Prodigious Magnificence, especially into Lyons. He proceeded even to Piedmont, and every where care∣fully stored his Frontier Towns, in case Philip the Emperors Son who was just gone into Italy, should have some untoward design: but he stayed little there. [Year of our Lord 1548] At his return, being in the City of Moulins the Eighteenth of October, he Cele∣brated the Nuptials of Anthony de Vendosme with Jane d'Albret Daughter of the King of Navarre, whose former Marriage with the Duke of Cleve was easily va∣cated, as not having been consummated.

After the defection of that Francis Marquiss de Salusses, who, (as we have seen before) perished at Carmagnoles, King Francis would not seize upon the Mar∣quisat of Salusses, which was forfeited to him and confiscate for the Crime of Re∣bellion and Felony, but had invested his younger Brother named Gabriel in it. This being dead without Children, and there remaining no lawful Heirs of that House, as I believe, Henry seized upon the said Fief as holding of Daufiné; to which it remained United till the Year 1587. that Charles Emanuel Duke of Sa∣voy seized it, as having some pretensions upon it.

During the Kings absence, a furious flame of Sedition was kindled over all Guyenne, because of the Gabel and Garners for Salt set up amongst them by Fran∣cis I. and the violence committed upon that Score, by the swarms of Officers and Satellites, against those poor people. The Commotion began in Saintonge by

some Villagers who beat and hunted them away; their number increased to Six∣teen [Year of our Lord 1548] Thousand Men well Armed, who chose Leaders among themselves. Ano∣ther Gang headed together in Angoulmois who seized upon Angoulesm••, as the former did upon Saintes; then they quitted those places to scour about the Coun∣tries, committing all the cruel and villainous acts such brutish souls were capable of.

These two Kennels of Blood-Hounds being joyned were received into Bour∣deaux by the Populace, constrained the Captain of the Castle and him that com∣manded the Town, the Presidents and Counsellors of Parliament to march in the Head of them in Sea▪ mens habits, and inhumanely Massacred Tristan de Mo∣neins Lieutenant to the Governor of the Province. It was par••ly his own fault, for he was so imprudent as to come to Bourdeaux without bringing a sufficient number of the Nobless with him, he amused himself with commanding his Soul∣diers to out-face and make mouths at those People, and then afterwards went out of his Castle du Ha to the Mair•• to Treat with those Furies.

After they had spent their first fire, they dispersed in a few days. The Parlia∣ment [Year of our Lord 1549] having resumed their Authority severely chastised some of them. It was to be feared, that if they had in cold blood consider'd the horror of their Crime, the dispair of Pardon would have cast them into the arms of the English; the Kings Counsel therefore thought requisite to amuse them with fair words, and to promise them a general Amnistie, and the revocation of the Gabelle: but having put all in good order, he fail'd not to send the Connestable and the Duke d'Aumale thither with two small Armies, each consisting of Four or Five Thou∣sand Men to punish them.

The Duke passed by Saintonge, Poitu and Aulnis, without exercising any great severities, and came to Langon: but the Connestable descending from Languedoc whereof he was Governor, along the Garonne with a courage whetted by re∣venge, for the Murther of Moneins who was his Kinsman, was not so mild. For having joyned him at that place, and marching to Bourdeaux, he caused thirty fathom of their Wall to be broken down that he might enter at the breach; which was on the Tenth day of August when he was within, he first disarmed the Bour∣d••lois, and placed his Canon and his Souldiers in the Markets and at the opening of the Streets, then caused present process to be made against the whole City, by Stephen de Neuilly Master of Requests. This man extremely violent * 1.184, by Sen∣tence of the Twenty Sixth of October declared it guilty of Rebellion, and therefore all their Priviledges forfeited of Majoralty, Sheriffalty, and Jurisdiction, Con∣demned them to maintain two Galleys for the Governor, to furnish the two Castles with ••mmunitions, and to pay Two Hundred Thousand Livers as a Fine, besides took away their Bells, suspended the Parliament, which was so for a whole year, Ordered their Town-Hall should be razed, and a Chappel built on the same place where they should pray for the Soul of Moneins; that the Jurats with an hundred of the most noted Citizens should dig up the Corps of that Lord with their Nails, and bear him, each having a Flamb••au in his hand to St. Andrews Church. About Five Thousand Burghers assisted at this Funeral Pomp, carrying all Wax-Candles, and making a stop before the Connestables door, cryed out for mercy, and confessed they had deserved a more heavy punishment. Besides all this he put above an hundred to death, most part being of the princi∣pal Citizens, and Officers belonging to the place. This great severity ••lienated the affection of the people from him, as the tender humanity of the Duke of Aumale gained it, so as from this very time that Lorrain Branch began to reign in their hearts.

Some while after, the King who was benign and easie, following the counsel of that Prince, did in many particulars moderate the rigour of the Sentence, preserved the Town-House, gave Pardon to many that were Condemned, and restored the Bells and Priviledges again to the Bourdelois. Charles IX. his Son gave them more ample ones. After Bourdeaux had been humbled in this manner, the Provost belonging to the Connestables going thorough all the Provinces, laid hold on several of the most Seditious, amongst others Three of their Chiefs, viz. a Gentleman who had his Head cut off, and two Chiefs of the Commons who were broken upon the Wheel, with a Crown of red hot Iron clap'd upon their Heads.

[Year of our Lord 1549] After all these Tragical Executions, the Year 1549 was spent for the most part in rejoycings and in Carousels. The Birth of the Kings Second Son, of whom the Queen was deliver'd at Saint Germains, was one occasion of these Feastings. He was named Lewis. The Figure-Flingers foretold wonders of him, and yet he lived but two years. The divertisements of the Carneval succeeded that of his Christ'ning; then in the Month of July the King and Queen made their Magnificent Entrance into Paris, after her being Crowned a•• Saint Denis. To this Ceremony they added Tiltings, running at the Ring, Balls, great Enter∣tainments, and all the vain past-times that an ingenious and opulent idleness could invent, to delight and glut the Eyes of the Women and multitudes of Peo∣ple.

When the Court was weary of these Sports, the Scene of it was changed, and a fit of Piety succeeded their Gallantry. They made a general Procession to Nostre-Dame, whereat the King was present. This was to testifie by a pub∣lick Act, the Zeal he had to maintain the Religion of his Ancestors, and to pu∣nish all those that would disturb it. Which he confirmed by the horrible Execu∣tions of great numbers of those miserable Protestants who were burned in the Greve* 1.185. They were haled up by a Pully and an Iron Chain, then suffered to fall down in the midst of a great Fire, which was repeated several times. He would needs feed his own Eyes with this Tragical and Melancholly Spectacle; and it is said, that the horrible and mournful Shricks of one of those poor wretch∣es left so lively an impression in his imagination, that all his life long, he had from time to time a very frightful and terrifying remembrance of those dreadful groans. However that were, it is certain the smell of those Carkasses thus roast∣ed, got into the Brains of a great many People; who on the one hand beholding their* 1.186 (false) constancy, and on the other the scandalous dissolute living at Court, named this Justice a Persecution, and their punishment a Martyr∣dom.

The 12th of June the Alliance was renewed with the Swiss, but not without much opposition of the Protestant Cantons, exasperated for the burning those of their Religion.

[Year of our Lord 1549] When the English were contriving better measures to invade Scotland, there hap'ned some division between the Duke of Sommerset and the Earl of Warwick, and between the Nobility and the People. This Juncture being favourable to France, the King would lay hold of it to recover Boulogne. He armed power∣fully by Sea and Land, went before the place in person, and gained four or five Forts the English had built round about it. Then Autumn coming he Block'd up the Tower d'Ordre, meaning to return in the following Spring.

Pope Paul having lost all hopes of recovering Piacenza from the hands of the Emperor, or even to preserve Parma in his Family, resolved to re-unite this to the Demeasnes of the Church, and to give the Dutchy of Camerino to his Grand-Son Octavio. Octavio positively denied to accept of this exchange, and wrote to the Cardinal Farneze his Brother, that rather then consent to it, he would Surrender up Parma to Frederic de Gonsague. The Cardinal shewed the Letter to the Pope, who was so moved with wrath, that his whole Body fell into a strange fit of trembling, and afterwards into a violent Feavour, whereof he died within three days. The Cardinals after three Months practices and juggling, Elected John Maria de Monte, who assumed the name of Julius III.

[Year of our Lord 1550] The English not having Forces sufficient, would not stand off too long, but came to a Treaty of Peace, which was concluded between the City of Boulogne and the Fort d'Outreau the 24th of March. They promised to resign Boulogne upon the payment of four hundred thousand Crowns of Gold, to wit, the one half when the French entered the Town, the other moiety six Months after. Scotland was comprized in this Treaty, and those places the English had Invaded, were to be restored to the Queen-Regent.

The House of Guise obtained great augmentations: Duke Claude and John Cardinal of Lorrain his Brother being dead, Francis Duke of Aumale took his Fathers Title, and Charles who was called the Cardinal de Guise, that of his Un∣cle, and his Benefices. This same raised his power mightily, and that of his whole House, not so much by his merit, though he had a great deal, as by his complaisance to the Kings Mistress. He had so much power that he caused Pe∣ter Lizet the first President of the Parliament of Paris to be displaced: He had

dared to affront him, by refusing to Treat him as a Prince: but was forced [Year of our Lord 1550] humbly to have recourse to his intercession to obtain some Benefice for his subsi∣stance; they gave him the Abbey of Saint Victor lez Paris. John Bertrand se∣cond President was put in his place.

Soon after Diana caused the Seals to be taken from the Chancellor Olivier, whose probity did not sute with her conduct; and because he stood upon it not to lay down his Title of Chancellor, which by the Laws of the Land cannot be taken away but with his Life, She obliged the King to grant the Commission and Office of Keeper of the Seals, and to give it to Bertrandi: who by this means left that of first President to Giles le Maistre, who had before succeeded him as se∣cond.

Though Faggots were lighted every where against the Protestants, yet the Inhabitants of Merindol and Cabrieres presented their Petition to the King, demanding Justice for the Violence done against them under pretence of a De∣cree of the Parliament of Provence, which they durst never have undertaken, had it not been upon an assurance of the support of those that govern'd, and even by their instigation, particularly the Connestable, who thought to involve the Cardinal de Tournon as principal Author of that Massacre, he being his Capi∣tal Enemy.

The business was first brought before the Kings Great Council, then the King took it upon himself, and afterwards referr'd it to the Grand Chamber of the Parliament of Paris. The Cause was Pleaded at Fifty Audiences, or Hearings, with great heats and vehement sollicitations. After all this noise, there was none but Guerin the Kings Advocate in the Parliament of Provence, who paid for all those that had contributed to this Massacre; He was Beheaded in the place called the Greve at Paris.

The Historian of Provence relates how on the day he lost his head, his Picture or Effigies appeared in the palm of his wives hand, traced in lines of blood, and was seen by great numbers of people during several days. Lewis Adhemar Earl of Grignan, and Governour of Provence, who had given Commission to d'Oppede to Levy Forces in his absence, was like to have lost his Lands. D'Oppede was sent away absolv'd, having done nothing but by good order from the King: but he survived not long after it; and the Huguenots were revenged on him, by giving out that he died of an inward fire which cruelly burnt up all his Bow∣els.

[Year of our Lord 1550, and 51.] The abuse of the Banquiers and of the Datary of the Court of Rome, touching the resignation of Benefices, were come to that pass, that all the Clergy of France complained of it. The King redressed this by an Edict; and Charles du Moulin, the most resolute of all the French Lawyers, wrote a most Learned Book against the Petites Dates, but which being very vehement, raised so great a Storm against him amongst the Catholique Zealots for the interests of the Pope, that for fear of being Treated as an Heretique, he retired into Germany where he kept himself private till the rupture which hap'ned between the King and Pope Julius III.

The Pic's* 1.187 Lords of Mirandola, being at variance amongst themselves for the possession of that County, Paul III. had endeavour'd to reconcile and agree them, and not able to compass it, had sequestred it in the hands of King Francis. That King had restored it to Lewis Pic. Galeot Pic his Nephew assassinated his Uncle and Usurped it; then fearing his other Relations would revenge this parri∣cide, retired to King Henry II. and had admitted a French Garrison into the place; and also as it was reported, had agreed upon an exchange for some other Lands in France. However it were, the King used it as a City properly his own, and made it his place of Arms, and his Assemblies in that part of the World.

The King wanted some occasion to interrupt the Progress of the Emperor, he was over-joy'd to meet with this which follows, D'Aramon his Ambassador made use of all industry with Solyman, who was returned from the Persian War, to break the Truce of Hungary; and he wanted not considerations and motives to incite him to it; for the Emperor had in Barbary taken the Cities of Maha∣dia * 1.188, and Monester, from the Corsair Dragut, one of the Grand Seignior's Cap∣tains, and King Ferdinand held secret intelligence with Frier Georges, Monk of the Order of Saint Poll a Hermit, who by the testamentary institution of John

[Year of our Lord 1551] the pretended King of Hungary, governed the Affairs and Country of Isabella and Stephen her young Son.

Solyman had given orders to take that Monk dead or alive: the Monk having no∣tice of it, retired & had cantonniz'd himself in some strong Castles he had purchased and provided, from whence he began to make War upon the Queen. He was reconciled and fell out again with her two or three several times, and as he apprehended the power of the Turk, he privately made an agreement with Ferdinand, and perswaded the Wid∣dow to restore Transilvania to him, upon conditions very advantageous both for him and the Pupil, if they had been observ'd. But soon after Ferdinand fearing this mans in∣constancy, or rather that he would force him to make good what he had promised, sent word to John Baptist Castalda General of his Forces to make him away, which he Executed by the hands of some Assassines who went and Murthered him in a House of Pleasure to which he was retired.

Solyman could not suffer that Transilvania, for which John had rendred him Homage, should be possessed by Ferdinand. He powred a very numerous Army in upon that side, and almost totally Invaded it. The Imperailists did not fail to pub∣lish that the King of France had drawn him thither: but we find by the Memoirs of those times, that he did his utmost to disswade him from making War in Hungary, because the common danger re-united all the German Princes with the Emperor, and it was his interest to divide them. And therefore he could ra∣ther have wished that Solyman would have made use of his Sea Forces, and land∣ed in Puglia to facilitate an enterprize the French then had upon Sicily.

All these things make it evident that the King had firmly resolv'd to concern himself in the business of Parma, by other ways and means then mediation or accommodation, and that it was not the Dutchess of Valentinois that made him enter upon that War, that there might be occasion to bestow some em∣ployment upon Brissac, whom she loved infinitely. It is true that at that Ladies request, or perhaps to keep him at distance and absent from her, he made him Governour of Piedmont in the place of John Caracciol Prince of Melsy, whom he recalled to Court; and to make up the Complement of good fortune for Bris∣sac, it hap'ned that the said Prince returning into France, died at Suza, and left a vacancy for a Mareschal, which the King immediately conferr'd on him.

It sufficed the King to assist his Allies without directly breaking with the Em∣perour: wherefore he sent to Brissac to make use of some indirect means to that end. Brissac therefore disbanded a part of the Forces in Piedmont who had order to File away towards Parma over the Milanois under favour of the Truce two by two, sometimes three, without any weapons and by easie Journeys. Gonzague mistrusting the Craft and Contrivance, set Guards upon the ways, who Massa∣cred the greatest part of them, so that there came not above four or five hun∣dred to Miranda, who went over by the Mountains at Genoa.

During this assay, the Pope strove to perswade the King to abandon the Duke of Parma, and the King endeavour'd to gain the Popes good Will that he might take him into his Protection. But as the first had sharply replied to the Kings Remonstrances, threatning him with his Ecclesiastical Thunder, the French Am∣bassador raising the Tone of his Voice, declared that the King would for no con∣sideration whatever relinquish his Allies, especially the Duke of Parma. More∣over he protested that during those troubles he would not send his Bishops of France to Trent; that he did not own that Council to be general and Legitimate, but for a combination contriv'd and carried on for the interests of some particu∣lar people. This Declaration being made, he retired to his house, and soon af∣ter quitted Rome. Two Months afterwards James Amiot Abbot of Bellozane went on the Kings behalf to Trent, to make the very same protestations to that Assembly, which the King called Consessus, not Concile. The Prelates did how∣ever hold their Sessions, and made divers Decrees. The rumour of the Prote∣stant Princes Army dispers'd it in the Month of April the following year.

In the mean time the King judged it the highest piece of folly to furnish the Enemy wherewith to make a War, forbid upon grievous penalties all his Subjects, to carry either Gold or Silver to Rome, or any other place under the obedience of the Pope: but at the same time he made a most severe Edict, Dated the Five

and Twentieth of June at Chasteau-Briand, for the discovering and punishing [Year of our Lord 1551] the Religionaries in his Kingdom. Who observed from that very time, as they have [☜] experimented ever since, upon the like occasions, that no time can be so bad and rude to them, as when the Court of France is embroiled with that of Rome.

A little before this the Pope had sent into France Ascanius de la Coma his Sisters Son to make his last Essay to disswade the King from protecting Parma and Mi∣randa. Ascanius was received at the Court with the same civilities they give to Princes, and amused a long time with put offs, and delays, whilst those of Par∣ma prepared themselves when he returned to Rome without having obtained any thing, Gonzague besieged Parma, and John Baptista de Monte the Popes Nephew Miranda. Thus the War was begun between the Pope and the King.

The Enemies being strongest in the Field, Horatio Duke of Castro, and Strozzi General of the Italian Bands, durst not go to attaque them: but they made such terrible havock about Bologna, that the Pope moved with the cries of his Subjects, sent to his Army to hasten to their assistance. Thus they raised the Seige, and fifteen days after they began it anew; but however with as little success as at the first time.

When Aramon had disposed Solyman to a rupture, he returned into France to get fresh and more punctual Orders. As he was going to Constantinople, he found the Turks Navy being put to Sea, had En passant taken and pillaged the Fort of Goza at Malta, and that they were gone to Besiege Tripoli in Barbary, which was held by the Knights of that Order. The grand Master prayed him to go and find out Sinan Bassa who commanded the Fleet, to divert him from it, and per∣swade him to the Besieging of Africa (or Mahadia) for the which he had ex∣press orders: but Sinan who knew this a more easie Prey and Conquest then the other, would not believe him, but kept him as it were by force, till the place had surrendred.

At the same time the Kings Navy consisting of near Forty Galleys, and com∣manded by the Prior of Gapoua, after they had cruised upon the Coasts of Spain, were come to block up Andrea Doria and the Emperors Galleys in Nice and in Villa-Franca. They might easily have forced him had not they fallen into a strange hurly-burly, (about I know not well what) amongst themselves, which made the Prior retire to Malta, under pretence of going to serve his Order, they being without a Chief. In the mean while Doria received a recruit of Men and Galleys, and by that means escaped the greatest danger he ever was in.

It appeared to the King that the Emperor was so embarass'd on all hands, as there could be no danger now in Marching against him with Ensigns display'd, for besides that he had the Turks on his back, the Princes of the Empire were upon their Guard against him, fearing least he should undermine their liberties and had openly refused to Elect his Son King of the Romans, because they would not have two at the same time. They had likewise declared that though his Brother should lay down that Title and Quality, as he endeavour'd to oblige him to do they would do nothing in it. Withal, he was in no good condition as to his health: repeating at that time his seventh Remedy by way of Dyet to rid him of his noxious and peccant humours; and there was great probability he would for the future be much more in his Bed, then on his Horse-back.

Taking therefore his measures hereupon, he resolved to a War against him, and sent to Brissac to begin the rupture in Piedmont, by taking of some places, to Francis de Cleves Duke of Vendosme to enter into Artois and Hainault. The Season was already far advanced, the two last only ransack'd ten or twelve Leagues of those Countries, and raised some small Forts. Vendosme failed in a design upon Arras, which was discover'd by one of his Spies who had made himself drunk in a Tavern, but Brissac took Quiers and Saint Damian. At the noise of this Gonzague quitted the Siege of Parma, and assembling all his Forces near Ast, re∣solved to give him Battel: but the brave countenance of Brissac who presented it several times, made him of another mind.

At Sea * 1.189, the Baron de la Garde General of the French Galleys, having met with four great Ships fraighted with rich Goods, took them; and in the Month of December the Count de Carces who commanded in his absence, pursued four∣teen large Vessels, which were carrying the Goods and Furniture belonging to Ferdinand King of Hungary and the Queen his Wife, to the Port of Villa-Franca,

[Year of our Lord 1551] and there fought them so resolutely that he made prize of every one of them, Doria who Convoy'd them with his Galleys, not daring to come near to assist them.

But on the German side there was something else contriving of much more im∣portance. You may remember how the Emperor by a cavil rather besitting a little Cheat then a great Prince, had laid hands on the Landgrave of Hesse: he had kept him Prisoner now almost five years, the intercession of the German Princes, and Duke Maurice his Son in law, having been ineffectual to the ob∣taining his liberty. Notwithstanding the Emperor made use of Maurice to re∣duce the other Protestants; and that Prince had held Magdeburgh besieged al∣most a year, the only great imperial City remaining that had not yet bowed un∣der the Yoak. The King being made acquainted of his inward discontent, Treated a League with him, with Albret Marquess of Brandenburg and some other Protestants. The Catholique Princes were glad, and lent a helping hand. It was concluded in the Month of October of the Year 1551. but was not ratified till the Month of January in 1552.

By this Treaty it was agreed that the King should send a great Army into Ger∣many in the Spring; That he should pay certain Sums of Money to maintain that Army under Maurice and the other Confederates, and that to re-imburse himself of these Charges, he should as soon as possible seize upon Cambray, or else Mets, Toul and Verdun, which he should keep in Quality of Vicar to the Empire.

Before the Year expired, the Holy Father growing weary of the War, was considering of an accommodation with the King, and sent one Legate to him, and another to the Emperor, to conjure them to hearken to a Peace. The Le∣gate that came into France made several propositions. They all tended to the resigning Parma into the hands of his Holiness, who proffer'd to restore the Dutchy of Camerino to Octavio; they were not favourably received, because they were no ways advantageous to the interests of the King; for he did not so much regard the satisfaction of Octavio, as the having the City of Parma at his own de∣votion, and by that means having footing again in Italy, traverse all the Em∣perors projects.

About the end of this Year, having no Money to defray the expenses of his War, he made divers Edicts in order to engage part of his Demeasnes, to create those Courts, or Seats of Justice named Presidiaux, to erect the Chambre des Mon∣noyes to a Soveraign Court. He also got Silver Plate of all such as would lend him any to convert it into Testons, which were Coyned in a certain new invented Mill made upon the Seine; and he levied an Impost of twenty Livers upon every Steeple, upon Jewels, and Church Fabricks, not excepting even the Mendicants. The Dutchess of Valentinois, as it was reported, had a good share of this Colle∣ction; However it were, some of the Cordelier and Jacobin Preachers could not hold their Tongues, and had made much more noise about it if they had not been chastised.

[Year of our Lord 1552] At the same time the King and the Leagued Princes made both their Manifesto's and their Armes appear together. Maurice using much Craft and entertaining the Emperor with propositions of Peace, Marched with so much celerity, that he wanted but little of surprizing him at Inspurk. He was fain to escape by night very shamefully and much affrighted, flying to Carinthia even as far as the Frontiers of the Venetians, with so much dread, that for several days he knew not what he did.

The King on his side likewise took the Field. Before he went out of the King∣dom he went into his Parliament, where by an excellent discourse he recommend∣ed to them to have a great care of the Kingdom in his absence, and declared that he left the Regency to the Queen his Wife: but She would not let them verisie the Commission, because he had too much limited her Power, and had made the Chancellor Bertrandi almost equal in authority, a creature of the Dutchess of Valentinois.

The first thing he did, was to seize upon Lorrain and the young Duke Charles, Son of the Deceased Duke Francis and Christierne Sister to the Emperor; He brought him into France to be bred with the Dausin, and gave the Government of the Country to the Count de Vaudemont; then he took the Cities of Mets,

Toul, and Verdun, who little suspected such a surprize. It was noised that the [Year of our Lord 1552] Emperor had the same Design, and that the King had only prevented him. Ever since this time those Cities have been under the French; and they owe that obligation to the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal his Brother, who did all that lay in their power to facilitate these Conquests, not regarding the inconvenience it would be to the head of their House; for the raising and setling their for∣tunes in this Kingdom made them have an interest quite different from his.

The Kings design was to have seized also upon Alsatia, his Army entred upon it, and refreshed themselves there: but the Citizens of Strasburg, more jealous then those of Mets, stood upon their Guards, and sent him Provisions, to take away all pretence for his coming into their Town. Haguenau and Visburg opened their Gates to him.

In the mean time Maurice, who had restored almost all the Cities and Princes of Germany to their Liberties, fearing for his Father in Laws Head, which the Emperor threatned to send to him, if he accepted not of the conditions offer'd him, was obliged to hearken to a Peace. It was concluded by the Treaty of Pashaw, where besides the releasing of the Landgrave, many other things were allowed and agreed in favour of the Protestants. They may very justly call that Treaty the true Foundation of their Evangelick Liberty, which they have fully enjoy'd ever since that time: but shewed so little acknowledgment to the King, that there was not the least mention made of him, at which Albert of Branden∣burg shewed himself very much concern'd and angry for some time, that he might have the better pretence to plunder and pillage. At first the King could not believe that Maurice had any thoughts of treating without him: but he was soon confirmed by an Envoy from that Prince himself, who came to make his excuses.

The Electors of Ments and Triers, and some other Princes of Germany, find∣ing him penetrate so far, sent to entreat him, since he had no other design but to be the Protector of the German Liberty, and that they had recover'd it, not to undertake any thing against the Empire, nor to advance any further. He was a little surprized at this Compliment, and yet dissembled his displeasure; he an∣swer'd them that he was very well content since they were so, and that his Arms had the effect they desired. Wherefore at the same instant that he might not distast them, and also having information that Mary Queen of Hungary Gover∣ness of the Low-Countries, ransack'd and burnt the Frontiers of Champagne; he took his way towards France: but first to have his revenge for the mischiefs that Queen had caused, he Marched into Luxemburg where he took Rochemars, Dan∣villiers, Yvoy and Montmedy, and the Mareschal de la Mark the Castle of Bouillon, which the Emperor had taken from his Grandfather one and thirty years before. After these exploits, and towards the end of July, he lodged his Men in Garrison on the Frontiers of Picardy to refresh them, and put them in a condition to withstand the great Effort for which the Emperor prepar'd himself.

Whilst he was yet in Germany, he had intelligence that his Agents had made a Truce for two years with the Pope: which assured the possession of Parma to the House of Farneze.

The greatest affront the Emperor could receive, was that in his time, and when he appeared to be most potent, the three Cities of Mets, Toul and Verdun, should be dismembred from the Empire. It concerned his reputation to regain them within the very same year, and to that end, he went about to raise the greatest Forces that ever he yet had in all his life, without considering, so much his passi∣on hurried and transported him, that the Season was very far spent, and that nei∣ther his Men nor his own health which was very much impaired, would be able to endure the Rains, the Frosts and Snows. After he had therefore secretly agreed with Albert, he came and laid Siege to Mets the Eighteenth of October with an Army of an Hundred Thousand Men; and at the same time the Count de Raeux entring Picardy, after having burnt Noyon, Roye, Nesle, Chauny and the Royal House of Folembray, assaulted Hesdin and took it by Storm: but the same year the Duke of Vendosme recover'd it.

The terror the Parisians were in lest the Count de Raeux should come and sack their City, destitute of Defence or Forces, caused the King (to free them from the like apprehensions in time to come) to command it should be fortified on that side towards Picardy, but at the Charge of the Citizens.

[Year of our Lord 1552] The City of Mets was large, but weak and ill fortify'd, the Duke of Guise notwithstanding undertook to defend it against all the Emperors Forces. He was accompanied with a great number of Princes and Lords, and had with him all the Flower of the Nobility, and Five Thousand chosen Men. He was forced to his great grief to beat down all the Suburbs, and many fair* 1.190 Churches that were in them; amongst others Saint Arnolds, to which was joyned an Abbey Royal, and wherein were to be seen the Monuments of seven or eight Princes of the Corolovinian House.

As to the rest, the good order and Method he took concerning the Provisions, the Ammunitions, and the Guarding of the Place, his indefatigable care, his indu∣stry and his courage, gave the Emperor much more trouble then he imagined, and by making him limit there his Ne plus ultra, acquir'd that Duke a never dying Fame.

The faithless and artificious Albert, after he had some time entertain'd the French, (with intention to have surpriz'd Mets) declar'd himself openly for the Emperor, after his having surpriz'd the Duke of Aumale: but the Siege ad∣vanced not the more for that. It lasted two Months with great damage, and breaches made by their Canon, yet durst not the Besiegers give an assault. In the mean time the severities of the Winter, and the tedious fatigues, joyned with the Valour of the French, did so ruine the Emperors Army, that having lost Thirty Thousand Men, he raised the Siege upon the first day of January, and retired to Thionville.

It was the most melancholly object in the World to see his Souldiers so be∣num'd with Cold, they had not so much as the strength to run away, but yield∣ed themselves up to any that would take them. The French instead of beating out their Brains took care to warm them, and save their lives by all manner of comfortable Remedies. The Duke of Guise made his generosity appear no less on this occasion, then his Valour had before appeared in the Siege, he Vanquisht his Enemies in a manner by so much the more Noble and Glorious, as it made even those to Celebrate his Victory who were overcome by it.

Towards Italy, Ferdinand de Sanseverina Prince of Salerno, having been ill treated by Peter de Tolledo Vice-Roy of Naples, had put the King upon thoughts of a Design against that Kingdom, assuring him that as soon as the French Army appeared near Naples, the City would rise. To do this the King caused the Fa∣mous Corsair Dragut to go upon those Coasts and chase away the Galleys of An∣dreas Doria from that Port, which he performed having pursued him and taken seven of his Vessels. If the Prince of Salerno to whom the King had lent his own, hed been there at this time of their consternation, he might certainly have entred into Naples: but not arriving till three weeks after, Dragut returned dis∣contented to Barbary, and the Design mis-carried.

So long as this War lasted, Solyman failed not every year to send a Naval Force to assist the King in his Attempts. Those always did great mischief upon the Coasts of Sicilia and Naples: but brought little advantage to the French, only the hindring of Doria from molesting of Provence, and giving them trouble at Siena, and in the Island of Corsica.

As to the Affairs of Piedmont, though Ferdinand de Gonzague after the Truce made between the King and the Pope, had withdrawn and joyned to his Army all the Forces he had in the Dutchy of Parma: nevertheless he did nothing all that Spring besides the taking three or four petty places; for which Brissac had his revenge by the surprizing of Alba, a place very important, and by the Con∣quest of Verrue and some other places.

The King wanted some Post or Place in the midst of Italy and on the Sea-Coast, to keep the Pope in awe and fear, to make it his rendezvous from whence he might attaque the Kingdom of Naples, and to receive the Turkish Navies. They chose Sienna for this purpose, situate in Tuscany, and possessed of a Ter∣ritory of fifteen or sixteen Miles about it, wherein there were twelve or fifteen small Towns. They had hitherto governed themselves as a Republick under protection of the Emperor: but were divided into four Factions, mortal Ene∣mies to each other. During their Division, Hurtado de Mendoza, whom the Emperor had setled there for Governor, perswaded the silly people to build a Citadel, to defend and preserve their liberty from all invasions of the Gentry, and Ambushes of the Duke of Florence, who was indeed ready to fall every hour upon them, had he not feared to offend the Emperor.

When he had thus curbed them, he began to exercise an insupportable Tyranny [Year of our Lord 1552] as well upon the one as the other. They durst not openly kick at him; but made their Addresses to the King, and put themselves under his Protection▪ by means of the Cardinal de Tournon who was at that time retired to Venice. The King sent Three Thousand Men to Eneas Picolomini, Martin Bandin, and two more Sienois to deliver their Country, or rather to bring it under his own power. Nicholas de Ʋrsini Count de Petigliani, having set open his Castle to them, which was almost the only passage into the Country, they drove the Spaniards out of Sienne, razed the Citadel, and seized upon all the places of that Seigneory, excep∣ting Orbitello, whither the Spaniards made their Escape.

Soon after the King sent the Cardinal of Ferrara thither in Quality of his Lieutenant-General, and then Paul de Termes to Command his Army under the Authority of that Cardinal. Termes in a short time drew Twelve Thousand Foot together for the defence of that Seigneory, and carefully stored all the places.

[Year of our Lord 1553] No sooner was the Spring come, when the Emperor desiring to revenge the affront he had received at Mets, caused Terouane to be assaulted. All the people of the Low Countries out-vied each other and contributed their utmost, to ridd themselves, said they, of a Wolf which lay in the midst of their Sheep-Fold. Dessé defended the place: when he was slain, Francis de Montmorency the Con∣stables Son, took up the Command, he defended it yet a while, but the Ram∣parts being beaten to Dust by 142000 Canon-shot, while he was capitulating without having first made any Truce, the Enemies forced those that kept the Breach, and put all to the Edge of the Sword, even to the very Children. Im∣mediately the City was demolished by the Flemmings to the last Stone. The Spaniards saved the Governor and a few other Captains, in acknowledgment of the Noble Usage they had found from the Duke of Guise at Mets. The Lands belonging to its Bishoprick were afterwards shared between those of Bou∣logne and Saint Omers. Nothing is left of it now, but some few Foot-steps of its Situation which may still be seen.

At his departure thence the Emperor gave the Conduct of his Army to Ema∣nuel Philibert Son of Charles Duke of Savoy. This young Prince did from that time strive to render himself worthy by his vertues to recover what Fortune had taken away from his Father. He signalized his first and maiden attempt by the taking of Hesdin. The Mareschal Robert de la Mark who had undertaken to defend it with a great number of young Lords, as little skilful as himself in the Art of defending such a Place, not knowing how to resist the thund'ring of the Canon, demanded to capitulate. Whilst they were treating, a Priest from within intending to do some exploit with a Granado, by misfortune set fire to a Mine, which made a large Breach in the Wall. Horatio Farneze Duke of Castro was buried in the Ruines with Fifty more; the Imperialists made an assault there and forced the Castle, the Garrison was cut in pieces, la Mark made Prisoner, with many Lords and other Officers, and the place wholly ra∣zed.

The King imagining those places would have held out much longer, had wasted all the Spring and part of the Summer in Balls and Carousals at the Mar∣riage of his Bastard Daughter with Horatio Farneze, so that his Army came but late into the Field. When it was joyned near Amiens with that under the Con∣stable, it consisted of Fifty Four Thousand Foot under One Hundred and Four∣teen Ensigns, of Ten Thousand Horse, and one Hundred Pieces of Canon. With all this mighty Force, he did nothing but follow the Duke of Savoy from place to place, to endeavour to bring him to a battel. He could not besiege Ba∣paume, because there was no water near it. The Inhabitants had fill'd and co∣ver'd up all the Wells round the Country. From thence he went to attempt the City of Cambray, by some Volees of Canon shot; they would very wil∣lingly have been set at liberty: but this would only have changed the Yoak, and therefore they held it as good to be under the Emperor still. The Constables sickness, contracted by his fatigue, or vexation that he could do no feats with so gallant an Army, put an end to this Campagne.

Piedmont was like a School of War where the French and Spaniards exercised themselves in divers Combats, Enterprizes, and Besieging of small places: but

[Year of our Lord 1553] without any so considerable success as to decide their disputes. The Mareschal de Brissac had establisht so exact a Discipline, that the Souldier even in a Con∣quer'd Country, durst not take the least thing away without the good will of the owner. The ransome were settled on either side, according to the quality and office of the party taken. No War was made either against Husbandman or Merchant, but only upon such as bore Arms. The Peasant ploughed and reaped between the two Camps, and with folded armes would stand quietly at his own Door and see them fight in Parties, and cut one anothers Throats fairly in the midst of his Village.

Charles Duke of Savoy, having lost all hopes of being restored to his Estates, found no other end of his misfortunes but in that of his life, which ended at Vercel the sixteenth of September: a Prince debonnair, frank, liberal, just, fearing God, and who perhaps had not been altogether so unfortunate, could he have been a Man of less honesty.

We shall hereafter pursue the War of Sienna: but in the mean time we say it was the occasion of that of Corsica. This Island was very proper to hinder the passing of any Forces from Milanois, which were embarked at Genoa to be transported to Tuscany. The Banished who were in great numbers, especially John Petro de Bastelica d'Ornano, put this design into the French-Mens heads, and introduced them into most places of the Island. The pretence was that the King, as Soveraign Lord of Genoa, whereof Corsica was a dependance, had a right to it, and that the Genoese had not only favoured the Emperor, but likewise had committed several Acts of Hostility against France. The City of Boniface, which is the Capital of that Island, resisted a long time, and stoutly, at the end they capitulated. Dragut Rais had put Six or Seven Thousand Turks ashore to assist Paul de Termes, who Commanded for the King, in making that Siege, after which he re-imbarqued. As soon as he was gone, Andrea Doriae regained all those places before Winter came, excepting Boniface and Two or Three more.

France and England held pretty good Correspondence, when Death cut the Thrid of young King Edward's Days. It was believed to proceed from a slow Poyson, and John Dudley Duke of Northumberland was suspected Guilty of that Crime, he ha∣ving suggested to him to institute Jane of Suffolk for Heiress to the Crown; however when Queen Mary brought him to his Tryal, that was no Article of his Accusation. This Jane was Grand-Daughter by the Mother to Mary Sister of Henry the VIII. and was Married to this Dukes Son.

Now from what cause soever proceeded the Malady of Edward, it is certain that the foresaid Duke and the Emperor, each for himself, took their measures upon his approaching death. For the Emperor began to make applications for the Princess Mary, who by the last Will of King Henry VIII. was to succeed to the Crown; and the Duke being pusht on with the Ambition to have his Son Reign, or out of an apprehension that Mary would turn all things up-side down, as being a Catholique: perswaded young Edward that being in Majority, (after the Mode of the Kings of France, who are so at thirteen years and a day old) he might dispose of the Succession, by naming a person who was of the Blood, especially since the right of Mary and Elizabeth was doubtful, those Princesses not passing currently for Legitimate.

The King of France advertis'd of the Emperors proceedings, and the Designs of the Duke of Northumberland, believed it his own interest to support the lat∣ter: he therefore sent an Ambassador to Edward, who encouraged and confirm∣ed the Duke in the pursuit of his project, and indeed he went thorough with it; And at first there was some likelihood of a happy Issue, for according to the last Will of King Edward, and the Opinion of the Great Officers who are ever of the same mind as their Soveraign, Jane was designed and appointed to be Queen, and after the Death of Edward proclaimed and received in the Tower of London, and Mary being the weaker retired into the County of Nor∣solk.

But as the people of Ranks and Degrees in the Kingdom were displeased at the great wrong done hereby to the Lawful Heirs, and the Spanish Gold and Ca∣tholique Party stirred them mightily against it: a world of the Nobility and

Soldiery flocked from all quarters to Mary. So that when the Duke of Nor∣thumberland [Year of our Lord 1553] Marched with some Forces to go and take her, and disperse those Assemblies, it hap'ned that the same Officers and Counsellors of State who had allotted the Crown to Jane, took and held her Prisoner: after which most of those that were with the Duke forsook him, and some that staid seized upon his person and carried him to London.

[Year of our Lord 1553 and 1554.] Some time after Mary came thither and made her entrance into the Tower, the possession whereof was then necessary to such as were to be owned Kings of England. When She was once absolute Mistress, She cemented her Throne with the Blood of Jane, her Husbands, her Fathers, and almost all her Kindred; and after that She spilt much more to restore the Catholick Religion: which brought the Estate into such Convulsions as had like to prove mortal, and all for an advantage of a short duration.

The more She establisht and fixed her Authority, the more Philip Prince of Spain, pressed the consummation of his Marriage with her. Though She had very great imperfections both of Body and Mind, being infirm, ugly and old, never∣theless he had conceived some love, not for her Person, but for her Kingdom. On the contrary, the King turned every Stone in private and laid every rub in his way to prevent him from attaining his ends: but Philips Party acting more bare-fac'd and with the charming Power of Money, proved stronger then all those private obstacles the King could contrive against it. So that he was be∣trothed by Proxie the Ninth of June; and himself passing over into that Country with Six Thousand Souldiers, Married her the Five and Twentieth of July; a day he expresly designed, as being the Feast of Saint James the Patron of Spain. He staid in England till the Month of April of the following year, and was Spe∣ctator of the Tragick Actions of his Wife to revenge her self for the Conspira∣cies were hatched hourly against her, some upon the score of her Religion, others in hatred of her Marriage.

All this year till the Month of June, there had been as it were a tacite sus∣pension of Arms between the King and the Emperor: during which Cardinal Pool near of kindred to Mary, whom the Pope was sending to England as his Le∣gate to re-establish the Catholique Religion, had undertaken to Treat the Peace. He had got both their words, that they would reciprocally lay aside many of their pretensions: but when the Bell was to be sounded, each of them stood up stiffer and at a greater distance then ever before. The Emperor would willingly have accepted of a Truce, and it would have been very advantageous to him, by giving the Low-Countries time to settle, and if we may so say, to soulder themselves with England: but for the same reasons it was not so to the King; and more∣over his Honour nor Interest would allow him to suffer the Siennois to be exclud∣ed, as the Emperor did absolutely require.

Besides, he had Information that the Emperor was very much indisposed both in Body and Mind, that the Gout had deprived him of the use of one Arm, and contracted the Sinews of one Leg, that the same cause that made him impotent in his Members, joyned to the bad success of his Affairs, and perhaps complica∣ted with some relicts of his Mothers Frenzy, had so invaded his Brain, that he could seldom sleep, and did nothing else almost by day and night, but take Clocks and Watches asunder, and put them together again, his Chamber being full of them. Upon these reports, which were for the most part true, the King thought he should have an easie bargain of it, and took a resolution of carrying the War into his Country.

He therefore set on Foot an Army of Fifty Thousand Men, and divided them into three Bodies, Commanded one by the Constable, another by the Duke of Vendosme, and the third by the Mareschal de Saint André; the two last having taken some Forts of little concern, joyned with the Constable before Marienburgh which had surrendred to him.

Some years before Marienburgh was but a little Village where Queen Mary made her Rendezvous for hunting. The Situation seemed so pleasant and so convenient to her, that She built a new Town there. The King having it in his hands went on to fortifie it; and to make the Road more secure from thence to the little City of Maubert-Fontaine, which is the nearest towards France, he like∣wise fortified the Villa ge of Rocroy.

[Year of our Lord 1554] After he had well provided for Marienburgh, he went and joyned the Duke of Nevers, who had pierced through all the Ardennes; he met him near Givets, these are two Burroughs so named just opposite to each other upon the Banks of the Meuse. From thence he went to Besiege Bovines whilst the Duke Besieged Di∣nan. Bovines was sacked for having dared to withstand an assault of an Army Royal; Dinan capitulated and they put Two Thousand Men in there to preserve it from the violence of the skulking Souldiers: but in the night the Germans, angry they were robb'd of their Pillage, scaled the Walls, broke open the Gates, and put both the Garrison and Inhabitants to the edge of the Sword. Per∣haps they were not overmuch concerned at it, because they had returned a bru∣tish and most insolent Answer, when they were Summoned on behalf of the King.

Then the Emperor finding himself much better in health, takes the Field: the King desiring to engage him in Battel, assaults, forces and razes a great number of Towns and Castles, Maubege, Bavay famous for its Antiquity, Mariemont a Castle of pleasure of Queen Maries, and the little City of Bins with the mag∣nificent Castle which She had built. He caused these two last places to be burnt, to be reveng'd for their having set fire to his Royal House of Folembray. There was a personal hatred betwixt these two for certain slighting and spiteful words, and I know not what kind of Songs which had been made on either side.

After he had thus over-run and ravaged Brabant, Hainault, Cambresis, and the Country of Namur, he entred upon Artois and Besieged the Castle of Renty, which did great injury to the Country of Boulonnois. The Emperor came to relieve it, and to put some into the place with the more ease, would have seized upon a Wood the situation whereof must have been of great advantage to him. Upon this followed a sharp Fight which was on the thirteenth of August between the Villages of Marque and Fauquemberg, where the conduct and courage of the Duke of Guise, who was engaged in it, did signalize it self above all the other Chiefs. The Emperor having the worst of it, was advised to sound a retreat. Some pieces of his Canon and Two Thousand of his Men remained in the Field of Battel. However the King for want of Provisions, raised the Siege, and after he had sent once more to defie the Emperor, discharged a part of his Army and returned to Paris, giving what Souldiers were left to the Duke of Vendosmes Charge.

This Prince had no little task to cover the Frontiers, for the Enemy who were thought to be gone into Winter Quarters, took the Field again, and made a shew of Besieging Dourlens, then Abbeville ransacked the Country as far as Saint Riquier, from thence went up along the River of Autie, and feigning to have their Eye upon Monstreville, set themselves upon fortifying the Village of Mesnil which lies in a Marsh, upon the little River of Canche, a little beneath old Hesdin which they had demolished the year before. The Duke of Savoy would have it called Hesdin-Fert * 1.191, adding to the name of the place the Devise of his House, to make known that he was the Founder of it.

This Campagne ended the exploits of the Emperor. He was too much wasted and weakned by continual defluxions, to be any longer capable of undergoing those fatigues, and make head against a youthful King whom he always found on Horse∣back. Besides the mis-understanding that was between him and his Brother, gave him much more trouble then his distemper and corporal pain. This young∣er Brother, besides that he was not contented with his share, but demanded some augmentation, was in great wrath that he had mow'd the Grass under the Feet of his Son Maximilian King of Bohemia in the design he had to get Mary Queen of England: for the Emperor had pretended to aid him, and in the mean time got her for his own Son Philip. This wrangling went so far, that Maximi∣lian's Nephew had like to have made War upon him; He sought the Alliance of the German Princes for this very purpose, and hearkned to the Kings Envoy∣ez who proffer'd him his. However the mediation of their common friends ap∣peased that Domestique Quarrel.

The same night the Battel of Renty was fought, came news to the Camp of the Battel at Mercian in Siennois, which much allayes the Emperors trouble and grief, and the joy of the French. Now before we speak of this Event we must in gross relate the success of that War. At the beginning the Duke of Florence, who

equally feared the Imperialists and the French, and would prevent the ruine of his [Year of our Lord 1554] Country, had sought to find a Medium to compose the difference; which was out, that Sienne should remain free in its dependance on the Empire, and amity with France. But the Pope whose Interest he made use of, did not act cordially. The Holy Fathers aim was to bring that Estate under the power of the Emperor, because he made him, or at least left him room to believe and hope that he would invest Fabian Son of his Brother Baldwine with it: therefore of his own head he added one condition to those of the Duke of Florence, which she well knew the Siennois would never accept; which was, that a Cardinal, to be named by him, should be put into the City, to serve as Chief for that Republique, with a Garrison of Twelve Hundred Men.

The Emperor on his part was not sorry this Negotiation broke off, that he might have an employment for Peter de Toledo, and remove him from being Vice-Roy of Naples, where his ill Conduct had caused most dangerous Tumults about the business of the Inquisition. This Lord had not been a Month in Tus∣cany but he died: Garsias his Son took the Command of the Imperial Army, Duke Cosmo having refused it.

Paul de Termes Commanded then in that Country for the King. The Impe∣rialists having Twenty Thousand Foot in that Mountainous Region, gained most of the places, as well along the Sea-shore as the Valley of Chiana: but they got nothing but Blows at Montalcini. Thereupon they had notice the Turks Fleet was at Sea, and that on the other hand Brissac had gained great advantages in Piedmont; this news obliged them to send back the best part of their Forces to the Kingdom of Naples, and into Milanois.

Cosmo was much astonished: he saw himself forsaken by the Imperialists, af∣ter he had broken with the King. It was believed he would then willingly have complied, had they known how to press him in that juncture: but they gave him time to recover himself of his first fears, and resolve to stand it out come what would.

In which he was the more confirmed, for that the great Turkish Fleet Command∣ed by Dragut and joyned with the French Galleys, of whom the Baron de la Garde was General, having made a descent upon the Coasts, and in the Island of Elbe, took only some little places, and durst not attaque either Piombino which is on the Terra-firma, nor the Fortress of Porto-Ferrario which he had built in the Island. From thence that Armada passed to Corsica carrying thither Termes and the greatest part of the French Commanders and Nobility who quitted Sienna, imagining there was no further danger.

These passages hap'ned in the Year 1553. but in 1554. the King sent thither Peter Strozzi, newly made Mareschal upon the Death of Annebaut, to Com∣mand his Forces in the place of Paul de Termes. This employment was procu∣red him by the Queen to whom he was related, but by obliging her Cousin she ruined the Kings Affairs. For as Strozzi was a mortal Enemy to the Medicis, Cosmo fancied he had expresly made choise of him to renew the intrigues for the liberty of the Florentines, and to encourage them to shake off their Yoke, so that being exasperated to the highest degree, he observed no measures, but openly de∣clared against the French and against Sienna.

The Cardinal of Ferrare who had the intendance General of the Government for the King at Sienna, took likewise some umbrage and Jealousie at this Mares∣chals Arrival, who notwithstanding endeavour'd to condescend to him in all things: insomuch that from that Minute, he grew very careless, neglected to carry on those practices and negotiations France then had, as well at Rome, as with the other Princes of Italy, and let slip all those means and opportunities wherewith they might have kept things still in very good order and conditi∣on.

Cosmo had chosen for General of his Forces John Jacques Medequin Marquiss of Marignan, who embraced this opportunity to make the World believe he was of the House of the Medicis, though he were but the Son of a Maltostier, or Tax-gatherer. Having invested Sienna by the taking of several small places round about it, The Emperor remanded him to give him the Government of Milan, which he took from Ferdinand de Gonzague. The Duke had much ado to get lieve to keep this General with him till the Siege were over. The Em∣peror therefore substituted Gomez de Figueroa in the stead of Gonzague; who be∣ing

[Year of our Lord 1554] fitter for a States-Man then a Soldier, suffer'd the Affairs of Piedmont to de∣cline very much.

The first three Months the Duke of Florence had the disadvantage: Ascanius de la Corne one of his Commanders, thinking to surprize Clusio lost Twelve Hun∣dred Men, and was made Prisoner by a double dealing intelligence; Strozzi de∣feated Medequin in a Ren-contre near Petia, where he slew him Two Thousand Men; Then having received a great re-inforcement brought him by Octavia Farnese and the Count de Miranda, he regained one of the Bastions of Sienna which Malatesta had surprized by treachery, and ransacked over all the Dukes Country to the very Gates of Florence.

But this fortune changed immediately: Leo his Brother who was just Arrived with Twelve Galleys, with which he lay at Port-Hercole expecting a re-inforce∣ment that was to come from Provence, was slain by a shot from behind a Hedge, as he was viewing the ill favour'd Castle of Scarlin. Then himself coming to releive Marcian besieged by Medequin, lost a Battel near that City. The sault was laid upon his presuming to make a retreat in the open day-light before an Enemy stronger then himself, the cowardize of the Count de la Miranda, who sled at the beginning with all the Cavalry whom he commanded as Collonel, and the treachery of some Italian Companies of his Van-Guard who proved to be Turn-Coats. He escaped to Montalien, where he rallied up what he could of those shatter'd Forces, and did yet give the Florentines a great deal of trouble.

He had intreated the King to let him have some good Officer to be his Second, particularly to Govern the City of Sienna; He sent him Blaise de Montlue, whether of his own Choice, or named by the Guises; which was the ruine of that Republique, for the Constable considering him as the Creature of his adver∣saries, did not care he should Succeed, and so sent no relief that way. He came into that Country much about the time when Leo was slain before Scarlin.

During all this Reign there were divers changes made amongst the Officers of the Finance and Judicature, and great number of Creations, all to get Money, the thirsty Ministers inclining the King to draw the purest Blood of the Nation to sa∣tisfie their greedy appetite. The Parliament of Paris seemed to have too much power, and sometimes opposed their injustice, they made it Semestre, (that is one half to sit and attend Six Months, and then the other, alternately) and almost doubled the number of the Judges, who till then were not above one Hundred, taking in the Six Masters of Requests, and the Twelve Dukes and Pairs. The Edict for this was not verified, and yet it took place: but within three years after, when they had sold all those new Offices, they suffer'd the two parts to be joyned again in one.

By another Edict they augmented the number of the Kings Secretaries, who were Sixscore already (that is to say, more by half than was necessary) and added Fourscore, so that in all there were Two Hundred.

By another, yet, they set up a Parliament in Bretagne, composed of four Pre∣sidents, two and thirty Counsellors, two Registers, two Advocates, and an At∣torney for the King. They divided it into two Semestres * 1.192, in one of which the Officers were necessarily to be Natives of that Province.

Necessity extorted from the Ministers, for those of Guyenne, what compassion towards those people had never been able to obtain. Observing there was a great deal of danger, and yet a much greater expence in settling the Gabelle in that Province, they took it off, but constrained the people to pay Twelve Hun∣dred Thousand Crowns to redeem themselves from that vexation.

[Year of our Lord 1554] After the rebuke received by Strozzi at Marcian, the Marquiss de Marignan be∣ing Master of the Field, took most of the places belonging to that little State, and laid a formal Siege to Vienna, which he had before invested. Blaise de Montluc kept up the Spirits of the Siennois, and withstood the Attaques of the Enemies near Eight Months, as he particularly relates in his Memoires, and Commenta∣ries. At length his provisions failing, extreme Famine forced him to capitulate. This was upon the One and Twentieth of April.

[Year of our Lord 1555] The Treaty contained, that they should enjoy their Goods, Liberty, and Republique in all security: but the Emperor failed them in his promise and

faith, he soon subjugated and fetter'd that unfortunate City, and gave it to his [Year of our Lord 1555] Son Philip, who in Anno 1558. yielded it to the Duke of Florence, retaining on∣ly the maritime places. And indeed the chief Citizens foreseeing or gues∣sing the Imperialists would not make good the Treaty, went out with the French Garrison, to the number of Eight or Nine Hundred, and retired to Montalcino. In that City they chose them Magistrates, and preserved the Form of their Republick, till the time of the Peace betwixt France and Spain, in the year 1559.

Brissac Besieged Valfenieres in Piedmont, and the Spaniards were in the Field to relieve it, when the Battel of Marcian was fought. The news thereof height∣ned the courage of the Enemies very much, and it was to be fear••d it might cast a great damp upon the spirits of the French; so that he found fit, by the ad∣vice of his Councel of War, to raise the Siege.

Some time afterwards, having given the Enemy a repulse, and thinking he had put all Piedmont in a condition of safety, at least for some Months, he form∣ed a great design. It was to have gone straight forward resolutely to Sienna with a Body of Eight Thousand Foot, (he had Fifteen or Sixteen Thousand of the best in the World) to fall immediately upon the Besiegers, and force one of their Quarters to put Provisions into the City. But the jealousie his great reputation gave to those that Govern'd the Kings Mind, would not permit him to execute so brave an exploit. The Constable, though related to him, did not wish him well, he having obtained the Government of Piedmont by the Craft of the Dutchess of Valentinois, and without his knowledge, nay even in despite of him, who was then upon the point of endeavouring to have it for his Nephew Gaspard de Coligny Chastillon. The Duke of Guise highly esteemed him, and yet as the brave cannot well endure one another, he very often took occasion to quarrel, and thwart him; Thus to ruine his reputation and fame, they ruin'd the Kings Affairs in Piedmont.

And yet all these obstructions could not hinder him from taking this year Vercel and Ivree, nor when he had fortified Saint la, from compleating a design he had contrived upon Casal, by the intelligence of a School-master, whom the desire of Gain had wrought upon to shew them a certain place where they might scale it. It was upon a Shrove-tide Festival, when Figuerba, and all the Nobility of the Spanish Army were come thither to make a Carousel. The City being taken Figueroa cast himself into the Citadel: the Mareschal caused it imme∣diately to be batter'd, and in a few days forced it to capitulate.

[Year of our Lord 1555] Queen Mary and the Cardinal Pool her Cousin, fearing lest the quarrel be∣twixt the two Kings should embroil the English in a War, earnestly desired to procure a Peace between them. Their great instances engaged them to send Deputies betwixt Calais and Ardres to treat. They Arrived there the one and twentieth of May. For their accommodation several Tents were set up, con∣taining a large Hall in the midst of them, having four Gates, one to the East for the Popes Legates, one at the West part for the English Ambassadors, one in the South for those of France, and one on the North for the Emperors. The two Princes, according to the Proposals made by the English, agreed well enough about the referring all their differences to the judgment of the Council: but the King declaring he would not restore the Duke of Savoy till the Emperor surren∣dred up Navarre to Jane d'Albret, and Piacenza to the Farneses, the Assembly broke up without concluding any thing.

Neither the one nor the other were very well prepared for a War, so that this Summer past without any great exploits. The Imperial Army after several Marches and Skirmishes, employ'd themselves in fortifying the Burrough of Cor∣bigny upon the Meuse, which they named Philip-Ville. Martin Van Rossen Mareschal of Cleves who commanded it dying of the Plague, the Prince of Orange succeeded him in that employ.

Beyond the Alpes, after the capitulation of Siena, they likewise took the Port-Hercole. The French succeeded ill at the Siege of Calvi in Corsica. The Ma∣reschal de Brissac took Vulpian, and though but little assisted by the Court, made head bravely against the Duke d'Alva who succeeded Figueroa. This Duke could bring Five and Twenty Thousand Men into the Field; notwithstanding he recei∣ved an affront before Saint Ia, being forced to raise his Siege.

[Year of our Lord 1555] The Five and Twentieth day of May Henry d'Albret King of Navarre died at Hagetmar in Bearn. The King had a great desire to seize upon the rest of that petty Kingdom, and to give Anthony de Bourbon, who had Married the Heiress some Lands in exchange: but Anthony hast'ned to go and take possession of it, and his Wife found means to preserve it, notwithstanding the perswasions and treachery of her Officers. The King was so fretted at it, that he dismem∣bred Languedoc from his Government of Guyenne, to bestow it on the con∣stable; he refused to give that of Picardy, which Anthony surrendred upon his going away to Lewis Prince of Conde his Brother, and gratify'd Coligny with it.

After his departure, it hapned that la Jaille being gone to make incursion in Artois with a party of the Arriere-band, was upon his return cut in pieces by Hausimont Governor of Bapaume; a slight shock which yet so terrified the French that they put their Men in Garrisons.

About the same time the Diepois having Information that two and twenty great Flemmish Vessels were returning from Spain loaden with rich Goods, went and laid in wait for them about Dover, and not staying to fire at them, went direct∣ly aboard. Their Vessels were little and low, the other large and high built, so that they maul'd them with Shot and Granado's from above. The Fight lasted six hours hand to hand, at length some of them took Fire which burnt half a dozen of either Ships, and parted them sooner then otherwise they would have done.

Jane Queen of Spain, Widdow of Philip the Fair, and Mother of the Empe∣ror Charles V. died in Spain the Twelth of April, Aged 73 years. She had been lock'd up as one distracted ever since the death of Philip her Husband, how∣ever the Estates still reserved the Title of Queen of Spain for her, which in all publick instruments was joyned with that of the Emperor her Son.

This Great Prince finding his Body grown weak, and his head crazy, not be∣ing any longer able to support either the heavy burthen of worldly Affairs, nor his own decayed Cottage, Resolved in a Council of Women, (these were his two Sisters) to renounce his Soveraignty. Having therefore sent for his only Son Philip King of England to come to him, to whom the year before upon his Marri∣age, he had already given the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicilia, and since that also the investiture of the Dutchy of Milan: he assembled the Estates of the Low-Countries at Bruxels the Five and Twentieth of October, and there he Created him first Chief of the Order of the Fleece, then he resigned up those Provinces to him. A Month after in the same City in presence of the Governors and De∣puties of his other Estates whom he had called thither for that purpose, he yield∣ed up and remitted to him all other his Kingdoms and Seigneories, as well in Europe as in the new World. He had nothing now left him but the Empire, which he held yet a year, hoping to oblige his Brother Ferdinand to resigne that up likewise to his Son.

In the Month of March of this same year, Pope Julius III. ended his life, Marcel II. who was Elected in his place, held it but one and twenty days, and they Elected the Cardinal John Peter Caraffa, Aged fourscore and one year old. He was Son of the Count de Matalone in the Kingdom of Naples, and they cal∣led him Theatin, because he had been Archbishop of Theati, and had there insti∣tuted the Order of Clerc's Regulars who took their name from that City. Ma∣ny, because of the resemblance of the habit, have confounded the* 1.193 Jesuits with them.

His religious life and austere manners, which made the World affraid of a severe reformation, were immediately changed into a proud and a luxurious huffing vanity. He was of a haughty heart and a stubborn Spirit, and yet suf∣fer'd himself to be circumvented by his Nephews, and led any way as they pleas∣ed. Amongst the rest, he had two Sons of his Brothers, these were Charles who had born Arms for the French under the Mareschal Strozzi, and Alphonso Count de Montorio, greatly desirous to raise themselves; the first very proud and rash, the second more mild and moderate. To this he gave the Government of the Church Lands, and to the other a Cardinals Hat. The Uncle and the Ne∣phews, for divers injuries received, hated the Spaniards, and by a necessary con∣sequence all those of that party, especially the Duke of Florence and the House of the Colonnas, who besides all this have ever been averse to the power of the Popes.

[Year of our Lord 1555] Being therefore prompted by this resentment, and that spirit so ordinary in many of the Papal Nephews, which is to create quarrels with every one that hath but any Lands that lie conveniently for them, that they may dispossess them and get into their Seats, they attaqu'd the one and the other. It then hap'ned that the Count de Sancta-Fiore Chief of the House of the Sforza's, seeing Sien∣na was surrendred, and the power of the French much enfeebled on that side the Hills, drew two of his Brothers out of the French Service, Charles one of the two by a notorious piece of Treachery, had caused three of the Kings Galleys to be brought to Civita-Vecchia, and his Brother Alexander pretending he had bought them of him, seized them and convey'd them to Naples, having gotten them out from thence by the invention of the Cardinal Sforza his Brother who surprized a Letter from the Count de Montorio to the Governour of the City, containing an order that they should suffer them to go forth.

His Holiness thought himself extremely offended at this Violence committed in one of his own Ports; and at the same time the Cardinal Caraffa shew'd him unde∣niable Evidence, (whether such as he had really discovered, or whether he had con∣trived them himself to engage them to a quarrel) of a horrible Conspiracy fra∣med by the Spaniards against his Holiness; which much encreased the old Gen∣tlemans choller. The Cardinal Caraffa having buzzed this in his Brain, caused Camilla Colonna to be put in Prison, accused for having tamper'd in this damna∣ble Design, open'd the Pacquets of the Duke d'Alva, where he attested he had found good proofs of it, stopt an Envoy of Philip King of Spain's, raised Sol∣diers, and by fore seized upon Palliana and Neptuna, places which belonged to the Colonnas.

In this juncture a favourable opportunity presented for the recovery of Siena, the scarcity of Provision was such that the people were raving mad for hunger, and whatever care the Duke of Florence could take to send Wheat thither, they could hardly get enough for fifteen days. So that if the Pope had but lent his For∣ces to the French, and those had joyned with such as they had in Garrisons, and that Octavio Farnese who Commanded some Forces for the King in Tuscany, would but have gone heartily about it, they might infallibly have regained that City, by only carrying of bread to those unfortunate inhabitants. But Mendoza, who at that time acted a Vice-Roy of Naples, expecting the Arrival of the Duke of Alva, approaching the Frontiers of the Church with Ten Thousand Men, the Pope was so much frighted, that he chose some Cardinals to endeavour to make a Peace between the two Crowns; and in the mean time commanded Octavio to dismiss the Forces he had at Castro and Petigliana which caused Octavio, who was retired to Parma, to quit the service of the French, make a Treaty with the Emperor by the mediation of the Duke of Alva, and send the Collar of the Order back to the King.

The Holy Father would perhaps have rested there, if the Cardinal Nephew by force of Arguments, representing those outrages the Spaniards had offer'd, and perswading him that both his own person and all his House were in danger to be destroy'd by the cruel Treacheries of those Renegado Apostates, had not made him take a resolution of Excommunicating, and declaring War against them, though he had neither Soldiers, nor Friends, nor Money, and at most but two or three years of life, without either Strength or Vigour. And thus it is, the Popes are sometimes the Victimes of their Nephews, and for their sakes, sacrifice their quiet, the Treasures of the Church, and the Peace of Italy, nay sometimes even of all Christendom.

France was his only refuge; the Potentates of Italy are wont to flatter the French to get their help for the Executing their Vengeance, or to make their own advantages, then turn their backs upon them when they have gained their ends, or if they find themselves in the least danger, they slip aside with the earli∣est, [✚] and leave the French behind plung'd in the Bogg and expos'd alone to all the peril. When the Pope therefore sent to the King to demand his assistance, and in requital promised his towards the Conquering the Kingdom of Naples, the wisest were not of opinion that he should give ear to those Propositions. They consider'd besides that France was drained of Money; that they had work enough to defend themselves against the powers of Spain, Germany, and the Low-Coun∣tries, with whom they should speedily find England joyned; that it would be a hard task to preserve Piedmont, and therefore not fit to undertake a Forraign

[Year of our Lord 1555] War, upon the faith of people unfaithful, variable, and deceitful, and the assu∣rance of an old Man who had one foot in the Grave, and no other weapons but the spiritual Sword, of very little use or effect in a temporal War.

They consider'd these things very well, but there were none so bold as to re∣monstrate them to the King. They would not oppose the Cardinal de Lorrain who embraced this business that the Duke of Guise might have the Command of the Army in Italy. The Constable himself was content not to approve of it without opposing it. He was well enough pleased that those Princes who stood in his way, should go and embarass themselves in an enterprize which would carry them out of the King's sight, and which could not but succeed ill, and turn to their own shame: but he did not foresee that it should prove more unfortu∣nate yet to him then to them.

Thus was it that all the King's Ministers, some by a cursed Court-craft or Poli∣cy, others out of an irregular ambition, engaged this Prince to that doleful Alliance. It was rough-drawn at Paris, and finished at Rome by the Cardinal de Lorrain. The King sent him thither expresly; and he desired the Cardinal de Tournon might be joyned with him, whom he took along as he passed thorough Lyons, though he were of a quite contrary opinion and publickly protested that it was against his will they made use of him in so ruinous a business.

These Cardinals being arrived at Rome in the Month of October, Signed the League Defensive and Offensive between the King, the Pope, and the Holy See, in all the Estates of Italy, excepting Piedmont. It was therein agreed, that to∣wards the expences of the War the two Princes should deposite Five Hundred Thousand Crowns at Venice, the King Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand, and the Pope one Hundred and Fifty Thousand. That they should begin it either in the Kingdom of Naples, or in Tuscany, as should be judged most convenient. That the King should send Twelve Thousand Foot into Italy, Five Hundred Men at Arms, and as many Light-horse, which should be Commanded by a Prince. That the Pope should furnish Ten Thousand Foot and a Thousand Horse; that he should bestow the investiture of Naples upon a Son of France, provided it were not the Daufin: (but he retained a good Portion for himself, and much Lands and Pensions for his Nephews and Friends.) That the Duke of Ferrara, and in his absence a Prince whom the King should name, should have the General Command of the Armies.

This League was held secret for some time, the Cardinal de Lorrain at his go∣ing to Rome, had by his fair words, drawn in Hercules de Ferrara to be an Allie: but his eloquence had not the same power over the Venetians. The Cardinal Nephew did likewise employ motives of interest and those of fear. He pro∣pounded to give them Ravenna in pawn, and Puglia when it was conquer'd, threat∣ning in case they did not make a League with him, to call in the Turks, which they dreaded above all things: but all this could not move them.

On the other hand King Philip foreseeing the Pope would by his Sentence en∣deavour to deprive him of the Kingdom of Naples, and Excommunicate him, prepared to assemble all the Cardinals together at Pisa, to declare the promoti∣on of the Pope not Canonical, and by that means invalidate all that he should do to his prejudice. He had thirteen or fourteen very sure on his side, without reckon∣ing such others as he might gain besides. In the mean time the Duke of Alva, informed of those Treaties, after he had taken order for the Affairs of Mila∣nois and Piedmont, passed by Sea into Tuscany, where he conferr'd with the Duke of Florence, and from thence went to the Kingdom of Naples.

At the same time, the King who had resolved upon the rupture, wrote to his Ambassador at Constantinople (his name was la Vigne) that he should speak of it to Solyman, as if he did it for his sake, and by that means endeavour to procure a considerable assistance. Solyman much pleased to find that a new flame was breaking forth in Christendom, promised wonders, and made his Fleet put out to Sea. But it served the French only to clear themselves in some sort: For an Agent of the Kings, named Codignac, who was discontented, going o∣ver to the Spaniards, had given the Turks some jealousie upon the Kings designing to make himself Master of Italy, as if he from thence intended to pass into Greece, as Charles VIII. would have done; and to encrease their apprehensions he disco∣ver'd to them I know not what kind of ancient Prophesies, which threaten that the Franc's* 1.194 shall overthrow the Empire of the Crescent.

[Year of our Lord 1555] Though this League were concluded before the end of the year 1555. it did not hinder but by the mediation of Mary Queen of England and Cardinal Pool, the King and the Emperor were inclined and at last brought to agree upon a ge∣neral and trading Truce for five years. It was treated at Vaucelles near Cambray, the fifth of February in Anno 1556. The Emperor contributed much to it, [Year of our Lord 1556] very well satisfied that this calm consolidated the new begun Reign of his Son.

When the Cardinal Caraffa heard of this Truce, he made a great complaint to the King, that they had abandoned the interests of his House, that they left it exposed to the vengeance of the Spaniards and the Florentines. He demanded that for security the King would at least be pleased to put those places into the hands of the Pope, which were yet left him in Sienna. He imagined that by this means he should be sought to by those Princes, and that they would be glad to buy his amity: and when the King had refused them, he importun'd his Un∣cle so much that he condescended he should go Legate into France, to dispose the King to break the said Truce.

He came in a proud Equipage: but concealing his Design, and giving out it was to labour for a Peace between the two Crowns; He saluted the King at Fontainbleau, made him a Present of a Sword and an Hat which had been* 1.195 bles∣sed by the Pope, and entertain'd him in private with his grand Designs. The King was very irresolute: but in the end the Legates vast promises, and the opi∣nion he possess'd him with, that nothing was able to resist his power, and withal the artificial address of Valentinois, who had already made Alliance with the Guises, by giving one of her Daughters to the Duke of Aumale, with the intri∣gues of the Queen who desired a War in Italy to employ her Kinsman the Mares∣chal de Strozzi there, thrust him into the Precipice, and made him resolve to de∣clare a War against the Spaniard. But before this, the Council thought expedi∣ent to send to the Emperor and to King Philip, to admonish them to recall the Duke of Alva and his Forces out of the Territories of the Holy-See. They had already taken divers places there, and even the City of Ostia, which the Nephews had neglected to provide.

The Legate made his entrance into Paris with the Magnificence usual on such Ceremonies. At Court and in the City he shewed himself a Cavalier to the No∣bility, a Gallant in the Ladies Company, of a merry humour amongst the gay people; made Courtship to the Dutchess of Valentinois, and gave her extraordi∣nary fine Presents both from his Holyness, and from himself. The Queen being brought to Bed of Twin-Girls, he had the honour to be Godfather to one of them, and gave her the name of Victoria, as expressive of the great advan∣tages the League between the Pope and the King would acquire in Italy: but soon after this presage vanished with the life of that Princess.

In the mean time, whilst the Army they were to send into Italy was making ready, they gave Strozzi orders to assist the Pope, to whom they sent Three Thousand Men under the Conduct of Montluc, who made the Duke of Alva retire from the Neighbourhood of the City of Rome. Then when they had fa∣thom'd Philip's intentions by his haughty reply, they judged it was high time the Duke of Guise should pass the Alpes.

At the beginning of March a Comet with a flaming Train was visible in the Eight Degree of Libra, and lasted but twelve days only. The Emperor fancied this Phaeno∣mena called him to the other World, so that not being able to gain his Brother to a consent of yielding the Empire to his Son, he Commissioned some Ambassadors to carry his Re∣nunciation to the Electoral Colledge. However they went not till two years after, because of the War new breaking out between the two Crowns, and Three of the Electors were dead.

* 1.196 That done he Embarqu'd at Sudburg in Zealand, about the beginning of September, and went into Spain where he retired into the Covent of Saint Just of the Order of the Hieronymites, which is in the midst of a delicious Valley, surrounded with high Rocks, in the Province of Estramadura, eight Miles from Placentia, near the Burrough of Scarandilla. It is believed this was otherwhile the place of Sertorious his retirement. He reserved no more to himself of all his great Train, and his large-possessions, but twelve Men, a little Horse to ride out for Pleasure and Air, and one Hundred Thou∣sand Crowns Pension for his life. As he had forsaken the Court and his Power, they

[Year of our Lord 1556] did forsake him likewise: as soon as he was out of sight they forgot he was in the World. His own Son did not so much as remember him: for he performed nothing of all what he had promised, he had no value for his Counsel, nor any regard to the recommendations made by him, and after the first quarter could hardly allow him his Pension.

[Year of our Lord 1557] The Duke of Guise being brave, courteous and liberal, all those that were in∣deed brave either amongst the Soldiery or the Nobility followed him. In the beginning of January, Brissac accompanying him as far as the Po; he attaqu'd Valentia, because the Spaniards had refused him passage and gained it. At the same time the Admiral de Coligny tryed an enterprize upon Doway, and having failed over-run Artois and burnt the little City of Lens. Thus the Truce between the two Crowns was broken.

Valentia being taken, Brissac and all the chief Officers of Piedmont would have had them push forward into Milanois, quite unfurnished of Soldiers, and much startled: but the Kings express Orders would not allow the Duke to follow that advice: and it was to be feared if he staid there, the Pope might agree with the Spaniard. This consideration, and perhaps the instigation of the Cardinal his Brother, obliged him to march directly to Rome in full hopes of conquering the Kingdom of Naples, to which their House ever had pretensions.

He could not perswade the Duke of Ferrara, who was to have had the gene∣ral Command of the Armies for the League, either to quit his Country, nor to let him have his Soldiers. He was received at Rome, and by the Holy Father with great honour, after which divers Councels of War were held, and brave and honourable Propositions made, but there was nothing in a readiness to exe∣cute them.

The Nephews had provided nothing that was necessary; they had little Mo∣ney, and less heart to disburse it. It was believed also, and the Duke of Guise was of that opinion, that at the very time he entered into Italy, they had made their accommodation with the Spaniards, and that they had given him the trouble of coming as far as Rome only to make their conditions the better and get the greater securities. Whilst he was in Rome, the Pope created ten Cardinals, some out of favour, others to strengthen his party with friends, and the rest for Mo∣ney. These Ceremonies kept the Duke there during the whole Month of March, so that he was not with his Army till the Ninth of April.

He entred into the Kingdom of Naples upon the vain promises of the Caraffa's, attaqu'd Campiglio which he forced, & afterwards a Civitelle, where the French impe∣tuosity ran eground. In the interim the Duke of Alva was fallen upon the Lands be∣longing to the Church, and having taken many little places held Rome as it were invested: the Excommunications the Pope cast upon him, and the Colonna's, broke no heads; he was forced to cry out help! and call back the Duke of Guise. He re∣turned therefore into Romagnia, and there, though nothing else succeeded well, he received, (good luck for him) the news of the unfortunate Battel of Saint Quintin.

The Truce being broken between the two Crowns, Philip thought it concerned his honour not to omit any thing that might evince the Reputation of his Courage and Power. He raised an Army of Fifty Thousand men, and moreover knew so well how to manage the spirits of the English, that although at first they had li∣mitted him with many restrictions, and had no mind to concern themselves in his Affairs beyond their Island, nevertheless they suffered themselves to be induced to take up his quarrel. Queen Mary sent to declare War against the King, a Herauld brought him the defiance to Reims. He received it with disdain, as coming from a Woman; and knew how to oppose and match her well enough with another. I mean Mary Queen Regent of Scotland, who gave her so much work in her own Country, that instead of Thirty Thousand Men she promised her Husband should be landed in France, she could not send thither above Ten Thousand.

The Duke of Savoy who was Governour of the Low-Countries, and command∣ed Philips Army, having for a whole Month feigned to Attack several Towns, sometimes in one place sometimes in another, came the third day of August and lay down before Saint Quentin, which was unprovided of Men and but ill For∣tified. The Admiral de Coligny had only the time to Force his way in thorough the Enemies Camp, with about Six or Seven Hundred Horse, and two Hundred Foot.

[Year of our Lord 1557] The Reputation and Valour of that great Captain served for some time as a strong Bulwark to the place, which without him would not have held out Four and Twenty hours. They attempted several times afterwards to put in more relief; and at length the Constable himself his Uncle drew near, and passed the Somme with the Kings whole Army designing to send some into the Town tho∣rough the Marshes: but this was done with so much precipitation, that there hardly got in Five Hundred with Dandelot his Brother, Collonel of the French Infantry.

After this exploit, the Constable retiring in sight of the Enemy, in the open day-light (it was the Tenth of August the Feast day of Saint Laurence) embar∣rassed with Baggage, and Victuallers, or Sutlers, weaker by one half then the Ene∣my, particularly in Horse, was so briskly charged by the Duke of Savoy, between the Villages of Essigny and Rizeroles, that he had not leasure to give necessary or∣ders. His Cavalry were put to the rout, his Infantry stood firm, but were all Massacred. He was made Prisoner, and with him Montberon his young Son, the Dukes of Montpensier and de Longueville, the first wounded in the Head, Lu∣dovic de Gonzague since Duke of Nevers, the Mareschal de Saint André, the Rhine∣grave Collonel of the Germans, ten Knights of the Order (there were in all not Forty) and three Hundred Gentlemen. There were Six Hundred likewise slain, besides three Thousand Foot and Horse, amongst whom was found John de Bour∣bon Duke of Enghien. They took almost as many Prisoners. The Enemies lost not in all above Fourscore or a Hundred men.

This was named the Battle of Saint Quentin, from the City, or of Saint Lau∣rence, because of the day it was fought on. The Valour and Prudence of the Duke of Savoy, and the brave exploits of Count Egmont, were the principal causes of the Spaniards Victory, one of the most renowned and glorious they ever gain∣ed, and the most doleful and fatal to France of all they ever lost since those of Crecy and Poitiers. The Duke of Nevers, the Prince of Condé, the Count de San∣cerre, Francis eldest Son of the Constable, and many other Officers of note, made their escape with the greatest part of the Cavalry, and being retired to la Fere, did happily enough provide for the security of the Frontier Towns.

The fright and terror was greater yet then the loss. We know not what it might have produced if the Duke of Savoy had marched directly to Paris, or if a design he had upon Lyons had been well managed: but as to the first Philip would not suffer him to march in any further, fearing lest under those advantageous circumstances, a certain negotiation that he had set on foot the preceding Win∣ter, should end in an Accommodation with the King, which would have restored him to his Country, and by consequence have unhinged him from the Spanish Par∣ty. And as for the enterprise upon Lyons, the Baron de Polvilliers who was to have favour'd it with Fifteen Thousand Germans, did but only enter into Bresse, and marched out again immediately.

The Duke of Savoy was therefore much against his will, forced to stick to the Siege of Saint Quintin. King Philip came thither in Person fifteen days after, which was upon the seven and twentieth of August, and brought Ten Thousand English, and as many Flemmings. France had been lost if they had pursued their point; and indeed Charles V. having received the news of this important Victo∣ry, asked the Courier if his Son were in Paris. The Admiral having staid too long by three or four days to Capitulate, saw the Town stormed at five several breaches, and was taken Prisoner with Dandelot his Brother, who got away the fol∣lowing Night.

Philip's Army passed the remainder of the Campagne in taking the Catelet, Han, and Noyon, and about the end of Autumn was wasted away about the one half, the English being withdrawn their haughtiness not agreeing with that of the Spa∣niards, and the Germans for want of pay. A good part of these came over to the Kings Service.

During the Universal trouble which flowed from the loss of Saint Quintin, the Religionaries had the Confidence to Assemble in the Night time at Paris in a House at the upper end of the Street Saint Jacques. One named John Masson was the first that was Instituted Minister in this City in the year 1555. The People who observed them coming out thence fell upon them, and took above a Hun∣dred, amongst whom were Persons of Quality, nay even some Maidens belong∣ing to the Queen. They were charged with strange Crimes, it was said they

[Year of our Lord 1557] rosted young Children, and after they had made very good chear, the Lights were all put out, and so Men and Women mingled together. A good number of them were burnt: but the rest disputed their Lives so well by recusation of Judges and other delay's and put-offs, that they had time to get Letters from the Prince Palatine and the Swiss Protestants, who interceeded for them. The King standing in need of their Swords, was obliged to relent somewhat of his severity.

Amidst the fear and dispiritedness all France lay under, particularly Paris, it is believed that if but only a Thousand Horse had appeared on this side the Oyse, that great City would have remained a desart. They laboured hard therefore to fortifie it, the King gave Orders to raise Twelve Thousand Swiss, and Eight Thousand Germans, sent to all French Men, Nobles, or not, who had formerly served in the War, to come to Laon to the Duke of Nevers; to Brissac and the Governor of Mets, to send him part of their old Companies; and to the Duke of Guise, that quitting all other designes, he should return with his Ar∣my.

He was likewise advised to have recourse to Solyman. La Vigne his Ambassa∣dor made instant Suit to that Prince, to lend him two Millions of Gold, and send his Naval Force to him, but with Order they should Winter in his Ports of France, because they lost the best of their time in going and coming. As to the Money, Solyman excused himself by Pleading that they were forbidden by their Law* 1.197 to lend any to Christians, for which reason he had already refused it to King Francis: but for his Fleet he promised he would send a very powerful one, very well Equip'd, to act joyntly with the Kings, or else separately, as they would appoint, or desire.

Whilst these things were negociating in the East, the great Cities of France opened their Purses freely enough to the King, Paris furnisht him with Three Hundred Thousand Livers, and the rest in proportion; Fifty Lords of note proffer'd him to keep and defend Fifty Places at their own expence. It was then he really found that the* 1.198 French are the best People in the World, and that it was both hard-heartedness and ill Polity, to vex them by extraordinary Imposts, since they would bleed so freely for the necessities of the State.

When the Duke of Guise had received the Kings orders to return, he Coun∣cell'd the Pope to make his Accommodation. The Holy Father made it honou∣rably as he could wish in such a juncture. For it was agreed they should surren∣der up all his Places to him, that he should absolve the Duke of Alva and the Colonnas, and that that Duke should ask his Pardon in the name of King Phi∣lip.

The King had foreseen that the Duke of Ferrara would also make his Accom∣modation; wherefore that he might not do it without his participation and to his prejudice, he sent him word he approved of it. The Caraffas base and perfi¦dious Friends, did already Treat with the Spaniards to Invade the Ferrarois, and to share it between them. The Duke d'Alva made his entrance into Rome upon the very same Horse, with the same honours, and as great demonstrations of joy expressed by the Nephews, as the Duke of Guise had done.

This Duke having sojourned ten or twelve days in a Castle of Strozzi's near Rome, whilst the Pope was making his Treaty, took Shipping at Civita-Vecchia with Two Thousand Select men, and some of his best Officers, and left the Conduct of the rest of the Army to the Duke d'Aumale his Brother, who brought it back into France by Bolonnois, Ferrarois, the Country of the Grisons and Swisser∣land.

The return of the Duke of Guise seemed to have brought back with him the Courage of the Kings drooping Councel and of his flying Forces. They propo∣sed to give him the Title of Vice-Roy, which being thought too ambitious, they gave him that of Lieutenant-General of the Kings Armies, within and without the Kingdom, which was verified in all the Parliaments. After he had saluted the King, he had order to go to Compiegne and draw the Army together. Thus did the ill-fortune of France prove to be his good fortune, and the falling of the Con∣stable his exaltation.

The King now wanted nothing but Money, for this he Assembled the Estates at Paris the sixth of January in the year 1558. since King Johns time they have ser∣ved for little else but to encrease the Subsidies. It was this time thought fit to

divi de them into four, distinguishing the third Estate from the Officers of Justice [Year of our Lord 1557] and the Treasury. They altogether granted him Three Millions of Gold as he demanded. It was raised upon things and by Methods the least burthensome to the Kingdom.

One cannot too often or in too large Characters make mention of a couple of Edicts which were made this year; The one to retrench the abuses of Clandestine Marriages; The other to secure the Lives of Poor Infants born out of Wedlock. This ordained that Wo∣men and Wenches who had concealed their great Bellies, and could not make proof that their Children had received Baptism and Burial, should be Condemned to Death as Con∣victed of Murther, and making them away. The other vacated all Marriages made by the Children of any Family without the consent of their Father and Mother, unless the Sons when they so contracted were above Thirty years of Age, and the Daughters Five and Twenty. And to put the stronger curb upon the amorous fancies of young giddy People, they added the Penalty of Disinheritance.

The particular Interest of the Constable procured this last Edict. His eldest Son had engaged himself with the Damoiselle de Pienne, a very beautiful Woman and of a good House, by verbal Contract; The Father who desired to disengage him from her, to match him with the Kings natural Daughter, widdow of Horatio Farnese, had for this purpose applied himself to the Pope, and had sent his Son to Rome to sollicite that Affair; but finding the too rigid Pope, put off the decision and delay'd him, he was ad∣vised to seek his remedy in France, and impetrated this Edict of the King. And that it might effectually serve his turn, he had caused to be added to it, that seeing it was founded upon the Law of God * 1.199, it should have a retroactive effect, or retrospect.

Now his Son having declar'd in Court that the promise he made to the Damoiselle, was but conditional if his Father would consent, which he would not do, the Parliament de∣clared that the Engagement was null and of no value; after which he Married the Kings natural Daughter. This Wedding being over, the Constable went to Saint Quentin, where he lost the Battel, his Liberty, and his favour almost to boot.

[Year of our Lord 1558] The first time of their meeting, the Assembly of Estates participated in the general joy for the happy exploits of the Duke of Guise, whose success surpassed the very hopes and expectation of all the World; In eight dayes time, being from the first of January to the eight, he had taken Calais, and in a few dayes more the Town of Guisnes, which was razed, and that of Hames. The Governor of Calais was kept Prisoner with Fifty Persons of Note, but all the rest were turned out, both Soldiers and Inhabitants. Edward III. had done the very same to the French, when he gained it from them two hundred and ten years before.

Thus were the English wholly expell'd out of France, they not having one foot of Ground left them; and this was the fruit they reaped by the Alliance their Queen had made with Spain; upon which the Pope said very ingeniously, That the loss of Calais was the Dower of that Princess.

Such as were enviers of the Duke endeavour'd to diminish his Fame, by attri∣buting the first design of this enterprize, some to the Constable, others to the Admiral, which might well be true: but their mouths were stopt when about the latter end of the following Spring, he gained the strong Town of Thionville, which cover'd and secured Mets, and enlarged the Frontiers on that side. It surrendred the two and twentieth of June, the Mareschal de Strozzi was slain in the Trenches by the shot of a great Arquebuse, or Musquet discharged on a Rest. His Staff was bestowed on the Lord de Termes.

The rumour of his great exploits was not likely to comfort the Constable in his Captivity, or rejoyce his friends who saw him eclipsed by a young Prince, whose vertue captivated Fortune, as it did the Affections of the people and men of the Sword. From this Hour the jealousie that was between those two Houses, proceeded to the forming of two contrary parties in the Kingdom, as we shall find.

Whilst he was in Luxemburgh, the Mareschal de Termes esteemed a great Sol∣dier, took Dunkirk and Bergue, ravaged all that Coast, and at his return besieged Graveline at that time but little fortified. Hearing Count Egmont was marching towards him with an Army twice stronger then his own, he repass'd the River Aa, at low water: but Lamoral doubling his pace and getting over much high∣er, was then before him, and forced him to give Battel near the Sea-side. The multitude of the Enemies and the horrible Tempests of Canon-shot poured by

[Year of our Lord 1558] Broad-sides from Ten English Ships which hap'ned to lye on that Coast, over∣whelmed the French who fought as desperadoes. Almost all of them perish'd, and Termes was taken Prisoner.

This check did again heighten the glory of the Duke of Guise, as if he had been the only man in whose hands the Kings Sword could be prosperous. But that which raised his Authority yet higher, was the Marriage of the Queen of Scots his Neece with the Daufin. The Nuptials were solemnized at Paris the Four and Twentieth of April; and the Ambassadors who were sent into Scotland with the Deputies, harangued before the Estates so effectually, that they grant∣ed the Daufin the Crown, and the rest of the Regal Ornaments; which the Eng∣lish had denied to Philip.

In the Month of February the Ambassadors of Charles V. carried his Renuncia∣tion to the Flectors assembled at Franckfort, who upon the Fourteenth of March transferr'd the Empire to Ferdinand, and swore faith and obedience to him. The Pope approved not this Election, and maintain'd it was null as well as the Rennnciation of Charles V. because they had not the approbation of the Holy-See either for the one or the other; for he pretended they had no right of Election but in case of death only; and besides the Princes that had Elected him had forfeited that power by their Heresies. His head was so possess'd with this opinion, that he did all he possibly could to make the King of the same mind, and renew a League with him against the House of Austria. And though he could find no body that would support him in this Sentiment, he persisted therein notwithstanding to his death, which hap'ned in the Month of August of the following year. But Pius IV. his Successor, confirmed the Imperial Dignity to Ferdi∣nand.

His Brother Charles V. after he had lived two years in the solitude of Saint Just, was seized with a desperate Ague, which carried him off the one and twentieth of Sep∣tember, the Fifty Ninth year of his Age. A Comet that appeared the thirteenth of August in Berenices hair, the Tail turned towards Spain, was as a Flambeau lighted to lead the way to his Funeral Pomp.

The Summer come, the two Kings took the Field with the two most numerous Armies that had been on foot in all this Age, and encamped near each other, Philip on the River of Antie, and Henry along the Somme. They lay there almost three Months without having any other Ren-contre besides one Skirmish, because they were then upon propositions for an Accommodation. The Popes Nuncios made the first mention of it, the Constable and the Mareschal de Saint André, whose favour was in a languishing condition at Court, got Philip to give some Ear to it, making use for that purpose of the interest of the Duke of Savoy, who could no way be restored to his Estates but by a Peace. Christierne Dutchess of Lorrain, equally obliged to either King, as Aunt to the first and nearly Allied to the second, having newly given her Daughter Claudia to the Duke his Son, promoted it with much industry, and went with all the Messages to and fro; so that at length she brought it to a Conference between their Deputies, where her self and her Son assisted as Mediators. Which proved a great reputation and honour to them both in all the Courts of Christendom.

Two Months before, which was in October, the Constable was freed from his imprisonment upon his parole, and came to wait upon the King at Amiens, who received him with inexpressible demonstrations of affection, even to the making him lye in his own Bed. It is said, that this Lord having had notice the Kings affection towards him declined very much, recover'd it again by the Credit of the Dutchess of Valentinois, he seeking her Alliance, and treating of a Match between his Son Danville, with Antoinetta, Daughter of Robert de la Mark and Frances de Brezé, who was the Daughter of that Dutchess.

He had already agreed with the Spaniards on all the Articles of Peace: but fearing lest he might alone be charged with the reproach of a Treaty so disad∣vantageous, he contrived it so that the King upon the winding of it up, should joyn with him the Cardinal Lorrain, Mareschal de Saint André, John de Morvil∣lier Bishop of Orleans, and Claude de l'Aubespine Secretary of State.

The Conference began in the Abbey of Cercamp the fifteenth of October, and from that time the two Kings dismissed their Forces. The difficulty concerning Calais, was the greatest Remora, Queen Mary would by all means have it again,

the King would needs keep it. Thereupon that Princess hap'ned to dye without [Year of our Lord 1558] any Children of a Dropsie caused by her infinite grief for the loss of that place, and the little esteem her Husband had for her. The fifteenth of November was the day of her decease, and the sixteenth that of the Cardinal Pool her dear Cousin, who had taken great pains to restore the Catholick Religion in England. About this time the two Princes made a Truce for two Months, then their De∣puties parted.

Elizabeth succeeded Mary, pursuant to the Will of Henry VIII. Philip did yet for some time carry on the interest of Elizabeth, then abandoned them, lest they should prejudice his own. He had likewise some design of Marrying her, or at least to get her for his Uncle Ferdinand's second Son: but the King who had great reason to hinder that Alliance, and not suffer Elizabeth to take that Crown which he believed did belong to his Sons the Dausins Wife, so ordered it that the Pope received the Envoy sent by that Princess to him, but ill, and treat∣ed her as illegitimate. This injury made her determine openly to embrace the Religion of the Protestants, who made no doubts concerning her, and to repeal all Acts made by Mary, and corroborate and revive those of Edward and put them in force.

[Year of our Lord 1559] The Deputies from the two Crowns met again towards the end of January at Cateau in Cambresis, where in few days they came to a final agreement on all the Articles. Elizabeth fearing to be left alone, sent her Deputies thither also.

By the Treaty between France and Spain, that of Crespy and the preceding were confirmed. The two Kings mutually restored all they had taken from each other for eight years past. The King restored the Duke of Savoy to all his Lands and Estates, yet still reserved the right he had: but whilst that could be examined by Commissioners on either part (which was to be done within three years time) he kept by way of pawn or Security Turin, Pignerol, Quiers, Chi∣vas, and Villeneuve of Ast. Moreover he quitted all those he held in Tuscany to the Duke of Florence, and those in Corsica to the Genoese; gave his Sister Marga∣ret in Marriage to the Duke of Savoy with Three Hundred Thousand Crowns in Gold, and his Daughter Isabella to King Philip with Four Hundred Thou∣sand.

The people who always desire Peace at what price soever, testified a great deal of joy. The Constable and the Mareschal de Saint André stood in need of it to recover their former favour, which was in the wain: but the Guisian party, the sage Politiques, the whole Nobility, highly blamed it, as a manifest juggle, or Cheat, whereby France was looser of one hundred ninety and eight strong places for three only which were given them, these were Han, le Catelet, and Saint Quentin.

When Queen Elizabeth found the Treaty went forward, and the Deputies for King Philip, who pretended to mannage her concerns, but acted very coldly, ob∣tained nothing for her advantage or interest, She would needs Treat upon her own single account. She got little more by it. It was agreed that the King should ei∣ther render up Calais to her, and the re-conquer'd Country, or if he liked it bet∣ter, pay her the Sum of Five Hundred Thousand Crowns; which being referred to his own choice, there was no doubt but he would keep that place which is the Key of his Kingdom.

During the Treaty, the Spaniards, God knows for what design, exhorted the King very zealously to exterminate the new Sectaries, and hinted that there were many of them even in his Court its self, and of great quality, amongst others Dandelot, about whom they found some Books of that sort, when they took him at Saint Quentin. Upon which the King sent for him, and asked him what he thought of the Mass: Dandelot made him a very criminal reply, which enraged him so greatly, that he was almost in the mind to have kill'd him. He com∣manded him to be made a Prisoner, and put Blaise de Montluc into his Office, a creature of the Duke of Guises. The Constable his Uncle had very much ado to get him out of Prison, and restore him.

It was suspected to be the Effect of a certain Conference held between the Cardinal de Lorrain and the Cardinal de Granvelle; that by this Stratagem the first had a design to weaken the Constable by ruining his Nephews, or to render

[Year of our Lord 1559] him suspected of Heresie if he protected them: and that the other had a design of Setting the great Families of France to Daggers-drawing, and of stirring up a Faction by making the Religionaries grow desperate, believing they would joyn in a body when they could find a person of quality to head them, such as was Dandelot or the Admiral his Brother.

This year that question was decided at Venice which the Spaniards had moved to the French concerning precedence, or rank. Doctor Francis Vargas had been there in the quality and with the Function of Ambassador for Charles V. Emperor and King of Spain. After the abdication of the Emperor, and about the end of the year 1556. Philip recalled him, giving notice however to the Seigneory that he would send him again suddenly. During his absence Loyola whom he had left in his stead, pretended to hold the place of Ambassador for the Emperor: the French Ambassador (this was Dominique Bishop of Lodeve) would have no such thing allowed, and bestirred himself so that Loyola durst never appear at any Ceremo∣nies.

In the year 1557. Vargas being return'd again, pretended to keep the same sta∣tion he had before, saying he had never been revoked: but he of France maintained he had, since he had had his Audience of Congé, and received the Present given to Ambassadors; that moreover Charles V. had absolutely devested himself of the Empire, without reserving to himself one inch of its Lands, and that therefore he had now nothing to negociate or trouble his Brain withal, but the looking af∣ter and managing his Clocks. The business was off and on for almost a whole year: then hap'ned the shock at Saint Quentin which much startled the minds, and turned the thoughts and cares of the Ministers of France to things of a more important and pressing nature. The Venetians grounded their doubts upon Charles V. being still Emperor: but when that pretence came once to be remov'd by the Election of Ferdinand which was in the year 1558. they had no apparent reason to hesitate. They knew well enough the King had most reason on his side, but they durst not own it: and would very fain have referr'd it to the decision of the Pope, saying it belonged not to them to make themselves Judges between two such great Princes.

The pretensions of Philip was not as yet to gain the upper hand of France, but only to hang up the dispute upon the hedge, and stand on equal termes. The Venetians had made a Decree in the Councel des Pregadi, that the Ambassadors of both Kings should be present at none of their Ceremonies, till the controversie were first judged at Rome, so greatly did they apprehend to offend Philip: Ne∣vertheless when they observed the Kings Affairs began to look with a promising face again, and Novailles Bishop of Dacqs the Ambassador from France, pressed them without intermission, and by strong Arguments and Reasons, and threat∣nings to be gone: they at length revoked the Decree, and ordained that he of France should hold the first rank, according to ancient custom and usage. They sent for him therefore to assist at the Ceremony they made upon the day of the Visitation, being the second of July. This was eight dayes before the death of the King.

The Peace being made all relented and grew soft and slack in France, the Constable was already more then Septuaginary, besides ever unfortunate in War; the Mareschal de Saint André brave in his Person, but softned by luxury and vo∣luptuousness; the King, if we may so say, dared by the Hawk, and baffled as who had beheld his Kingdom in extream danger: the Guises loaden with Ho∣nour, and glad there was no occasion to keep them at too great a distance from the Court, where they were omnipotent especially, since the Marriage of their Niece with the Daufin.

Some have reproached them, perhaps without any reason, that from that time they began to entertain secret Correspondencies with the Spaniard, or at least to have a great deal of Complaisance for him that they might out-do the Constable in this very point too, who seemed to have relinquished much of the Interests of France for his own. Whatever it were, the Government at this time changed their Maximes in two points, whereof one was touching the Affaires of Italy, the other the Alliance with the Turks. For they resolved as to the first, not to in∣termeddle with it any more: And for the other to renounce it wholly likewise, as a thing very prejudicial to Christendom, of little benefit and very scandalous to France, and which hindred the Princes of Germany from reposing an intimate con∣fidence, and joyning in a strickt tye with them.

[Year of our Lord 1559] So that under pretence of gaining their Amity, they obliged him to send Am∣bassadors to the Diet of Ausburg, to assure them he never had any real Alliance with the Turks, and that he was resolved to renounce it Totally. The Agents of the House of Austria endeavour'd to make good advantage of this Compli∣ment at the Port: Solyman could believe nothing, till he had received certain News of the Peace between the two Crowns. Then he released Ferdinands Am∣bassador whom he held in Prison, and immediately made a Peace with his Master; and yet to make it appear he had still some concern for France, he obliged that Prince, to be a Friend to his Friends, and Enemy to his Enemies.

The five and twentieth of January, the Pope displeased with the ill-behaviour of the Caraffa's his Nephews, and principally because they attempted to hold him in Captivity, after he had declaimed against them with all his might in a Consistory, stript them of all their Offices and Dignities, and expell'd them from Rome; which furnished Pius IV. his Successor with a pre-judgment to make Process against them, though he were indebted to them for his Pope-dome which he gained by their contrivance. The Cardinal Caraffa was strangled in the Castle Saint Angelo, John Count de Montebel his Brother, and the Count d'Alifan Brother of the Wife to that John, had their Heads cut off. A lesson [☜] written in Letters of Blood, to teach their Fellows, if they would reflect on it, to use that power with more moderation which is so frail and tottering.

There was neither City, nor Province, nor Profession, where the novel opini∣ons had not got footing; men of the Gown, men of Learning, and the Ecclesia∣sticks themselves, against their own Interest, suffer'd themselves to be charmed with them; punishments did but make them scatter and encrease and enflame their Zeal the more. So that several of the Parliament, some out of a more ten∣der and merciful nature, others because they had embraced them, were of the mind to moderate those to severe prosecutions. The King knowing this, sent for Giles le Maistre first President, and two others, with the Procureur, or Solici∣tor General, and commanded them to execute his Edict of Chasteau-Briand with the utmost severity.

Le Maistre makes report to the whole Company of the Kings Commands, as they were arguing upon that Subject, and most voices inclined towards a mitiga∣tion, the business being in good forwardness, behold the King having notice, (as it was presumed, from Le Maistre) comes into the Parliament, this was on the Tenth of June, and makes them continue the debate before him. His presence did not so much daunt them, but that three, amongst the rest Anne de Bourg Councellor Clerc, proceeded boldly to deliver their Sentiments upon the prin∣cipal points of Religion, and concluded by demanding a Council, and that in the mean time Executions might be suspended. He had the patience to hear them to the very last Argument, and then to make the Clerk read over the Re∣sult of all. Having thus discover'd their opinions, he gave order to seize upon Du Bourg and Du Faur in the place, and afterwards sent to take the President, Ranconnet and the Counsellors Paul de Foix, and Anthony Fumee, all which were carried to the Bastille. The President du Ferrier, the Councellors Viole Du Val, and Regnaute, had met with the same treatment could they have been found. Never did that August Assembly receive so great and so shameful a rebuke and blemish. They appointed Commissioners for Trial of the Prisoners. The Tra∣gical accident which interven'd three Weeks after, put some stop to those vehe∣ment prosecutions.

The Court being filled with all manner of Mirth, Divertisements and expres∣sions of Joy for the Nuptials of the Kings Daughter, which was celebrated by Proxy the Seven and Twentieth of June, and there being Turnaments and Carou∣sels within Lists made cross the Street Saint Antoine, from the Palace Royal des Tournelles to the Bastille: Death, as we may say, having placed himself in Ambush amidst those pastimes and pleasures, gave a blow as fatal as un-foreseen, which converted all those gawdy Liveries into Mourning Weeds. About the end of the third dayes tilting, which was the Thirtieth of June, the King had a great de∣sire, (who had before broken several Lances with a great deal of dexterity,) to Just or Tilt agen with his Beaver open against the Earl of Montgommery Son of the Lord de Lorges, one of the Captains of his Guard du Corps. The Earl excu∣sed himself as much as he could, but he would absolutely have it so; now it hap∣ned

[Year of our Lord 1559] that the Earl having broken against his Breast Plate, hit him likewise above the right Eye-brow with the Truncheon that remained in his hand.

The stroke was so great that it threw him backwards on the ground, and de∣prived him both of knowledge and speech. He never recover'd them more; which may convict of falsity those different discourses, which both the one side and the other, did put into his Mouth, suitable to their divers interests and pas∣sions. Notwithstanding he survived yet near eleven dayes▪ and breathed not his last sigh, till the tenth day of July. He was in the fourth Month of the one and fortieth year of his Life, and the thirteenth of his Reign.

About the end of June the Duke of Savoy was come to Paris, accompanied with the Duke of Brunswic, the Prince of Orange, and an Hundred Gentlemen of Qua∣lity; He had been received with extraordinary Civility by the King, who met him at the Foot of the great Stair-Case in the Louvre. When he found they dispair'd of the Kings Life, he so much press'd the consummating of his Marriage, that it was performed in Nostre Dame without any Pomp the ninth of July. Mar∣garet his Wife was in the seven and thirtieth year of her Age.

They blamed King Henry of too much Indulgence, or to speak better, too great weakness towards his Mistress and his Favorites, but they applauded a generous bounty in him to his Domesticks, a great moderation and sweetness, an agreable Conversation, and a marvellous facility of expressing himself as well in publick as in particular. He might have been praised likewise for his love to Learning (for indeed he cherished it) if the dissolutions of his Court, authorised by his exam∣ple, had not perverted the best and choicest Wits to Compose Romances full of [☜] extravagant Visions, and Lascivious Poems, to flatter those Vices and that Impu∣rity which had all the rewards in custody, and to furnish that Sex with vain de∣lights and amusements who still reign and govern by Fopperies.

Most of those Vices which ruine great States, and draw down the wrath of Heaven, reigned in that Court; their gaming was seen in Triumph, Luxury, Impudicity, Libertinage, Blasphemy, and that curiosity as foolish as impious, to look into the Secrets of what is to come, by the detestable Illusions of Magick Art.

Catherine de Medicis after a ten Years Barrenness, brought this King ten Chil∣dren, as many of the one as of the other Sex, the Eldest at this time being but seventeen Years old. One of the Sons, and two of the Daughters died in their Cradle. There remained four Sons and three Daughters. The four Sons were named Francis, Charles, Alexander and Hercules; the names of the two last were changed at their confirmation, Alexander was named Henry, and Hercules changed for Francis. The three first reigned after each other, and all four died without Children. The three Daughters were Isabella, Claude, and Marguerite; Isabella Married Philip II. King of Spain, Claude Charles III. Duke of Lorrain, and Mar∣guerite Henry de Bourbon who was then King of Navarre, and afterwards King of France. He had besides two Illegitimate Children, Diana whom he Married to Horatio Farnese, then to Francis Eldest Son of the Connestable de Montmorency, and Henry who was Grand Prior of the Order of Malta, and Governor of Pro∣vence.

The End of the Second Volume.

Notes

• * 1.1

  It was more then Fifteen Millions is now.
• * 1.2

  Peerage.
• * 1.3

  Who was his Ki sman.
• * 1.4

  Be••eaded faith Meze∣ray.
• * 1.5

  Vide, Be∣fore touching Scotland.
• * 1.6

  Emperor An∣d••o••i••••s the Young Reig••••l eight years and an half, and Lewis of Bavaria.
• * 1.7

  This opini∣on had been common enough in the former Ages.
• * 1.8

  Vide a few pages before▪
• * 1.9

  Emp. John V. Pale∣ologus, Son of Andronicus a Minor, and Lewis of Ba∣varia.
• * 1.10

  The setting up of Ne∣phews and Nicces.
• * 1.11

  De Lot.
• * 1.12

  Or Crecy.
• * 1.13

  Frotssard makes them Fourscore thousand.
• * 1.14

  Or Ralph.
• * 1.15

  Emp. John Canta∣cuzene an Usurper upon John Paleolo∣gus the Minor, R. 8 years. And Charles IV. of Lu••∣emburgh.
• * 1.16

  Or Joane.
• * 1.17

  Some say he paid them not.
• * 1.18

  Or the Green Earl.
• * 1.19

  Emp. John Paleolo∣gus, John Can∣••acuzenus, and Charles IV.
• * 1.20

  Du Guesclin fought ano∣ther time in a Ring with Brembo, one to one, and slew him.
• * 1.21

  John Paleolo∣gus having de∣posed Cantacu∣zena, and Charles IV.
• * 1.22

  To the King of England.
• * 1.23

  Make a Speech or Harangue to them.
• * 1.24

  A thing much used in this age.
• * 1.25

  Or James the Good man.
• * 1.26

  The Market.
• * 1.27

  Marché.
• * 1.28

  The Isle of France, Beausse Normandy, Picardy, &c.
• * 1.29

  Tis Armate.
• * 1.30

  Or Joane, the same Name in ef∣fect.
• * 1.31

  Emp. John Paleolo∣gus, and Charles IV.
• * 1.32

  In those days Princes∣ses Suckled their own Children.
• * 1.33

  Of Hay∣nault.
• * 1.34

  Cheuachee admits of many inter∣pretations, but this is most proper in this place.
• * 1.35

  King Charles had also given him the Earl∣dom of Lon∣gueville.
• * 1.36

  Or Steward.
• * 1.37

  That was their name in those days.
• * 1.38

  The Term then used, Qui tint Journée.
• * 1.39

  Mal des Ardents mentioned before.
• * 1.40

  Boutillo a mock Pope.
• * 1.41

  Or Haucut
• * 1.42

  Emp. John Paleolo∣g••s, and Wence∣slaus, Son of Charles IV. R▪ 22 years.
• * 1.43

  Bourbon was Maternal Uncle.
• * 1.44

  Hoc me Cefar donavit.
• * 1.45

  Constables; and such like Officers.
• * 1.46

  Constables; and such like Officers.
• * 1.47

  Constables; and such like Officers.
• * 1.48

  Six make a Penny.
• * 1.49

  Herd.
• * 1.50

  Eleven years old.
• * 1.51

  Ball, as Ba∣ker calls him.
• * 1.52

  Livres.
• * 1.53

  Or Joane
• * 1.54

  * Challenges, 1382. in November.
• * 1.55

  Emp. Wencestaus and Emanuel II. Son of John, R. 24 years.
• * 1.56

  The Red.
• * 1.57

  Annunciati∣on.
• * 1.58

  He was like∣wise named Charles de la Paix, and Charles the Little.
• * 1.59

  Or Bad.
• * 1.60

  As little ones as he had done it for∣merly, but they were not alone.
• * 1.61

  Lane is to a••y Lame, the vulgar say Tamberlan.
• * 1.62

  Or Galeaze. 1391.
• * 1.63

  Hostel or ••na••, as Great Mens Dwellings are called.
• * 1.64

  Chartreux.
• * 1.65

  Or Bennet.
• * 1.66

  St. Ampoulle.
• * 1.67

  Emp. Manuel II. and Robert, R. Nine years Five Months.
• * 1.68

  Or Seque∣stred.
• * 1.69

  Hense or Inn.
• * 1.70

  Naples.
• * 1.71

  Ever since Philip de Va∣lois, Eloquence was in vogue, they having need of it to perswade the People; and because they held divers great Assem∣blies, as well Civil as Eccle∣siastical.
• * 1.72

  Sur-Inten∣dant was not then in use.
• * 1.73

  Cut off with an Axe.
• * 1.74

  Emp. Sigismund of Luxembourgh. S. and Manu∣el II. R. 27 years.
• * 1.75

  Or Chal∣lenge.
• * 1.76

  Or upright Cross.
• * 1.77

  Chappetons,
• * 1.78

  Standard so called.
• * 1.79

  Or Agin∣court.
• * 1.80

  That Mon∣tagu who lost his Head.
• * 1.81

  He was cal∣led Duke be∣cause in Ger∣many all the Children of a Family bear the same Title as the eldest.
• * 1.82

  Emp. John II. by the Session of Emanuel his Father, Reigned Twenty seven years, and Si∣gismund.
• * 1.83

  The Vulgar call it the Scab of St. Fiacre.
• * 1.84

  Church, the fourteenth Age.
• * 1.85

  Schism.
• * 1.86

  Church.
• * 1.87

  University.
• * 1.88

  Learned Men.
• * 1.89

  The several Dialects in se∣veral Ages and parts of the Nation.
• * 1.90

  Church.
• * 1.91

  Disputes.
• * 1.92

  Church.
• * 1.93

  Wicked Pre∣lats.
• * 1.94

  Saints.
• * 1.95

  Church.
• * 1.96

  Heresies.
• * 1.97

  Or, if you will not turn, you shall burn. Councils.
• * 1.98

  Roux, or Red.
• * 1.99

  Vulgatly Henry.
• * 1.100

  It was cal∣led the Battle of Herrings.
• * 1.101

  Or Basil.
• * 1.102

  Or, Have at their Tails.
• * 1.103

  Players▪
• * 1.104

  Shavers.
• * 1.105

  Emp. John VI. and Albert II. elected the Twentieth of April, Reigned fourteen years 1438.
• * 1.106

  Vulgarly called Sorel.
• * 1.107

  Emp. Constan∣tin XV. and Frederic III.
• * 1.108

  Call'd by the Vulgar Gui••he.
• * 1.109

  An ignomi∣nious punish∣ment. To go bare-head and bare-foot with a lighted Torch in his Hand to some Court of Justice, or Church, and there acknow∣ledge his Crime.
• * 1.110

  Emperor Fre∣deric III. and Mahomet II. Reigned 28 years at Con∣stantinople.
• * 1.111

  Or, San∣coins.
• * 1.112

  Or, Eurc.
• * 1.113

  Short Habits were ridicu∣lous to persons of Quality.
• * 1.114

  The Tren∣ches are yet to be seen.
• * 1.115

  This order of not being destituted is ve∣ry Ancient; it is to be seen in the Capitu∣laries of Charles the Bald, and in an Ordinance of Philip Va∣lois, quoted by du Moulin.
• * 1.116

  Barbara Gre∣ca genus reti∣nent, quod ha∣bere solebant.
• * 1.117

  The English People give Money wil∣lingly to make Waron France.
• * 1.118

  Margret Sis∣ter to King Ed∣ward.
• * 1.119

  Composed by John de Troyes▪
• * 1.120

  Hermaphro∣dite.
• * 1.121

  See above in the year 1474.
• * 1.122

  Empp. yet Frederick III. And, Bajazet II. Sons of Maho∣met, K. 31. Years. See be∣low in An.
• * 1.123

  Or, Oliver the Devil, a name suitable to the nature of the Beast.
• * 1.124

  Ast belonged to the Duke of Orleans.
• * 1.125

  Heretofore Dame de Btau∣jeu.
• * 1.126

  Beginning of the War of Italy.
• * 1.127

  otherwise Fernand, or Ferrand.
• * 1.128

  1494. Empp. Maximilian R. 25. years and Bajazeth.
• * 1.129

  For the King and this young Duke were Sons of two Sisters Daughters of Savoy.
• * 1.130

  The Italians drew theirs only with Ox∣en.
• * 1.131

  Or of the Egg
• * 1.132

  Malfy.
• * 1.133

  Or of the Egg
• * 1.134

  Or Consalvo.
• * 1.135

  Or Jack Short-Coat.
• * 1.136

  Church.
• * 1.137

  In the fif∣teenth Age.
• * 1.138

  Councils.
• * 1.139

  Church.
• * 1.140

  Heresy's.
• * 1.141

  Disputes.
• * 1.142

  Church.
• * 1.143

  Church.
• * 1.144

  Monks.
• * 1.145

  They are cal∣led of the great and the little Observance.
• * 1.146

  Reuclin in High-Dutch is Smoak, in French and in Greek Capnos, whence he took the name Capnion.
• * 1.147

  Church.
• * 1.148

  Printed and added to Comi∣nes.
• * 1.149

  Church.
• * 1.150

  He called himself Duke of Valentinois.
• * 1.151

  This word is corrupted from Catapa∣nat▪ a name which one Ca∣tapan, General for Basilius the Greek Empe∣ror, gave to this Country.
• * 1.152

  Or Vignola, pleasant Gar∣dens &c.
• * 1.153

  A Prince the will have sin∣cere advice, ought wholly to conceal his Sentiments; for as soon as that is guessed, they never give Counsel that contra∣dicts him.
• * 1.154

  They had 5 thousand from the King.
• * 1.155

  Francesco Alidosi.
• * 1.156

  Empp. Maximilian, And Selim II. after he had slain Bajazeth his Father, R. 8. Years.
• * 1.157

  There have been two Bat∣tles at Guine∣gaste.
• * 1.158

  That having made Money more plenti∣ful.
• * 1.159

  Empp. Charles V. R. 38 Years. And, Solyman Son of Selim R. 47 Years.
• * 1.160

  Qui l'ac∣compagne est Maistre.
• * 1.161

  Of the Coun∣try of Hain∣ault.
• * 1.162

  Vulgarly Pisqueton.
• * 1.163

  Or Addua.
• * 1.164

  Or compleat Horse Men.
• * 1.165

  The Countries of Forez, Beau∣jolols, Bour∣bonnois, La Marche, and Auvergne, were his Lands.
• * 1.166

  Germain Foot.
• * 1.167

  Or Malfy.
• * 1.168

  Or rather I and my King.
• * 1.169

  Compleat Horse-men.
• * 1.170

  He called her so, though she were only the Daughter of Laurence Son of Peter his Cou∣sin German.
• * 1.171

  He was call'd Duke of Orle∣ans▪
• * 1.172

  This King was put out of his Kingdom and could not re∣cover it.
• * 1.173

  These were perhaps beggers or poor Soldiers to get Plunder.
• * 1.174

  He wrote to him Monseieur the Constable when others stiled him Mon∣seigneur.
• * 1.175

  His devise was a Baloon with these words, con∣cussus Surgo.
• * 1.176

  He was but 20 years old.
• * 1.177

  His device was inter Eclip∣ses Exorior.
• * 1.178

  Paternal Great Grand-Father of the Mareschal d'Effiat.
• * 1.179

  He was Duke of Guise after the death of his Father, and Aumal was soon aftererected to a Dutchy.
• * 1.180

  Vulgarly cal∣led the old man of Bullen.
• * 1.181

  As at Cham∣bord, at the Bois de Boulog∣ne, near Paris, at Villers-Co∣sterez, at St. Germains en lay Fontainbleau, and the Louvre.
• * 1.182

  Emperors, Charles V. and Solyman.
• * 1.183

  Revenue or Treasury.
• * 1.184

  At the Treaty of Crespy, h•• gave a box on the Ear to the Ja∣cobin who act∣ed for the Em∣peror.
• * 1.185

  Common place of Exe∣cution.
• * 1.186

  (False) constancy as our Author falsly terms it.
• * 1.187

  Or Picus's.
• * 1.188

  Or Africa.
• * 1.189

  Otherwise Capt. Paulin.
• * 1.190

  Above 30 were beat down both without and within the Town.
• * 1.191

  FERT. These are the symbolical Letters of the House of Sa∣voy.
• * 1.192

  See a little above.
• * 1.193

  In Spain they call the Jesuits Thea∣tines.
• * 1.194

  They call the Western Chri∣stians Franc's in opposition to the Turks who are Slaves.
• * 1.195

  Consecrated.
• * 1.196

  Empp. Ferdinand Brother of Charles V. R. 8. years. and Solyman.
• * 1.197

  This is their ordinary ex∣cuse.
• * 1.198

  This is what his Father told him at his death.
• * 1.199

  Honour thy Father and thy Mother.